The Kansas City Chiefs have been busy to start the legal tampering period as they’ve reportedly signed former San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million deal to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside and now a potential replacement for veteran running back Kareem Hunt.
According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the Chiefs have signed veteran running back Elijah Mitchell to a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million. The 26-year-old running back has been slowed down by injuries, playing in 27 games across three years with the San Francisco 49ers.
Mitchell missed the entire 2024 season because of a hamstring injury he suffered during the preseason. The last time Mitchell was on the field was in 2023, where he suited up in 11 games (five starts).
During that season, the five-foot-ten running back had 281 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 75 carries. For Mitchell, the opportunity to join the Chiefs gives him a chance to have a fresh start while competing for the RB2 spot behind Isiah Pacheco.
Hunt and Samaje Perine are unrestricted free agents, meaning it’s not guaranteed they return in 2025. Hunt provided the Chiefs’ backfield with a much-needed boost earlier in the season after Pacheco went down.
In eight starts between Weeks 5-13, Hunt had 523 yards on the ground and five touchdowns. He also added 17 receptions (23 targets) for 119 yards. The veteran running back finished the season with 904 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns.
If Mitchell can stay healthy in the preseason and training camp, maybe there’s a chance he can become Hunt’s replacement. However, that’s a huge if as Mitchell has been plagued by rib, knee, shoulder and rib injuries.
Despite this reported signing, which cannot be official until the new league year on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, the Chiefs could add more firepower to the backfield in the 2025 NFL Draft.
