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The Washington Commanders are about six weeks away from reporting to training camp. As it turns out, they may not be done adding to their roster.
According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, the Commanders have been making some preliminary inquiries on free-agent running back Kareem Hunt.
I’m told the #Commanders have quietly been making some preliminary inquiries behind-the-scenes on free agent RB Kareem Hunt, per league source.
We’ll see if this leads to an opportunity for Hunt with Washington.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) June 16, 2023
Anderson uses the terms “quietly” and “behind-the-scenes” in discussing Washington’s potential interest in Hunt. What does that mean?
The Commanders appear set at running back, with Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson as the top two backs. Rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr. is also in the mix as well as Jonathan Williams and Jaret Patterson.
Hunt, 27, was a former third-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017. Hunt rushed over 1,300 yards as a rookie, leading the NFL and earning a trip to the Pro Bowl. He was on pace for similar numbers in 2018 but was released after a video surfaced of him physically assaulting a woman. He was never charged with a crime and signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2019.
He spent the previous four seasons as the primary backup to Nick Chubb and has 4,025 rushing yards and 69 rushing touchdowns through six seasons. Hunt has 211 receptions with 17 receiving touchdowns, too.
Hunt spent two years under Washington offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy with the Chiefs. Could this be a Bieniemy move? Robinson is the expected starter, with Gibson primed for a big year as the third-down/pass-catching back.
Hunt has thrived playing under Bieniemy, so the Commanders would add a talented veteran who can thrive as a runner or receiver. It just begs the question of where Hunt would fit in with Robinson and Gibson seemingly atop the depth chart.
You never pass up the chance to take a good player. Hunt is a good player, so it’s smart for the Commanders to investigate the possibility of signing him and figuring out the rotation later.