March 19, 2025 – As the NFL offseason heats up, rumors are swirling about the Chicago Bears’ aggressive pursuit of talent to bolster their roster for the 2025 season. In a surprising twist, reports have emerged that the Bears made a bold attempt to pry away a key weapon from the Kansas City Chiefs, only to see their efforts fall short. The target? Veteran running back Kareem Hunt, a former rushing champion whose resurgence in 2024 made him a coveted asset.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bears were in hot pursuit of Hunt during the early stages of free agency, eyeing a reunion between the running back and his former Chiefs position coach, Eric Bieniemy, now Chicago’s running backs coach. “Another option for Hunt before he signed with the Chiefs — the Bears, whose running back coach, Eric Bieniemy, spent two seasons with Hunt in Kansas City,” Fowler posted on X. The potential move would have added a dynamic playmaker to an offense looking to take the next step under rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.

Hunt’s Resurgent Year

Hunt, 29, returned to Kansas City in 2024 after a five-year stint with the Cleveland Browns, stepping into a significant role late in the season. Despite averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, he took over as the Chiefs’ starting running back and racked up 728 rushing yards and seven touchdowns—his highest yardage total since 2020. His familiarity with the Chiefs’ system and knack for delivering in clutch moments made him a valuable piece of their back-to-back Super Bowl puzzle.

The Bears’ interest in Hunt suggests a desire to deepen their backfield and provide Williams with a seasoned complement to D’Andre Swift, who led Chicago with 959 rushing yards in 2024. With Bieniemy’s prior connection to Hunt—having coached him during his 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign—the fit seemed natural. However, Hunt ultimately re-signed with Kansas City on a one-year, $1.5 million deal with up to $1 million in incentives, leaving the Bears to pivot elsewhere.

Bears Settle for Familiar Face

Unable to land Hunt, Chicago opted to retain backup running back Travis Homer on a modest $2 million extension, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Homer, who has served as a reliable depth piece, will compete with Roschon Johnson for carries behind Swift. While Homer brings continuity, he lacks the proven production and star power Hunt could have offered, leaving some Bears fans wondering what might have been.

The near-miss underscores General Manager Ryan Poles’ aggressive approach this offseason. After a 2024 campaign marred by an offensive line that allowed Williams to be sacked a league-high 68 times, Poles has prioritized protection, acquiring All-Pro guard Joe Thuney from the Chiefs in a trade and adding Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman in free agency. Hunt would have been the cherry on top—a versatile weapon to diversify an attack that struggled for consistency.

Chiefs Hold Firm

For Kansas City, retaining Hunt was a no-brainer. The Chiefs, perennial Super Bowl contenders, have mastered the art of blending veteran savvy with young talent. Hunt’s return ensures stability in a backfield that also features Isiah Pacheco, while his playoff experience adds another layer of reliability for Patrick Mahomes and company. The Bears’ attempt to “steal” him only highlights his value to a Chiefs team eyeing a historic three-peat.

Posts on X from Chiefs fans celebrated the outcome, with one user writing, “Bears thought they could snatch Hunt? Not on our watch—Chiefs Kingdom stays winning.” Meanwhile, Bears supporters expressed a mix of disappointment and optimism, with one noting, “Missed on Hunt, but Poles is cooking something big. Trust the process.”

What’s Next for Chicago?

While the Bears couldn’t secure Hunt, their offseason moves signal a clear intent to contend in 2025. The addition of former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as head coach promises a schematic upgrade, and the revamped offensive line should give Williams more time to operate. Still, the skill position group remains largely unchanged beyond the addition of wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, who posted 506 yards with the Washington Commanders in 2024.

Hunt’s decision to stay in Kansas City leaves Chicago searching for that extra spark. Whether Poles turns to the draft or scours the remaining free-agent pool, the Bears’ pursuit of a Chiefs weapon proves they’re not afraid to swing big. For now, though, Kansas City holds onto their prize—and the Bears are left to regroup and reload.