3 free agents the Commanders should sign for training camp competition in 2023
By Dean Jones
Commanders should sign Kareem Hunt
Even though the Washington Commanders have a potentially dynamic one-two punch at running back in the form of Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson, it hasn't stopped speculation from mounting about whether or not Eric Bieniemy would look to one of his former players to provide another dangerous option to call upon.
According to a report, the Commanders sounded out Kareem Hunt earlier this offseason about joining the ranks. The backfield threat enjoyed the best campaign of his professional career under Bieniemy's guidance with the Kansas City Chiefs, so the move does make sense as the play-caller looks to hit the ground running in a different environment.
The Commanders drafted Chris Rodriguez Jr. in the sixth round following a strong recommendation from Bieniemy. Much will also depend on how many running backs they take through onto their 53-man roster, but Hunt's presence at training camp can instantly increase urgency across the board.
Hunt is a veteran and an accomplished, proven performer. He'd need some guarantees about playing time before agreeing to join and there is also the small matter of financial compensation to consider in the tricky-to-assess running back market.
The benefits of signing someone like Hunt are there for all to see. But the Commanders might opt to save their cash for other position groups and move forward with the team's current options when push comes to shove.