What would Kareem Hunt bring to the Commanders in 2023?

What would running back Kareem Hunt bring to the Washington Commanders in 2023 as speculation about his potential arrival grows?

At least from the outside looking in, the Washington Commanders look pretty set at the running back position heading into the 2023 season. Brian Robinson Jr. is set for a genuine breakout campaign after impressing as a rookie, head coach Ron Rivera has also highlighted his desire to get Antonio Gibson more touches heading into a contract year for the player, and the organization spent a sixth-round selection on Chris Rodriguez Jr. to potentially assist with further development.

However, this hasn't stopped the Commanders from reportedly exploring other alternatives. Something that could see Eric Bieniemy link up with one of his former primary playmakers in a different environment.

Commanders have inquired about Kareem Hunt per report

According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, the Commanders have begun the process of sounding out Kareem Hunt about joining the ranks. Nothing concrete has emerged as yet, with the insider stating it's a case of "wait and see" rather than anything imminent becoming official.

"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."

- Josina Anders, CBS Sports via Twitter

Hunt and Bieniemy are no strangers having worked together on the Kansas City Chiefs. The play-caller was a significant influence on the 2017 third-round pick during his early transition, which saw him take the NFL by storm as a rookie en route to 1,782 all-purpose yards and 11 combined touchdowns.

Things turned sour between Hunt and the Chiefs following an off-the-field incident. He found a new team quickly, forming a devastating backfield tandem with Nick Chub on the Cleveland Browns before the player and franchise went their separate ways this offseason.

The Commanders would be acquiring an experienced running back to provide another security blanket for quarterback Sam Howell if terms were eventually agreed upon. Whether this would hinder the development of Robinson and Gibson remains to be seen, but the Toledo product enjoyed his best football under Bieniemy and might see this as an attractive destination if the money is right.

This also makes a ton of sense from Bieniemy's standpoint. He took a big risk leaving Kansas City for the Commanders, so if he feels like securing Hunt's services could assist in his first season with full control of an NFL offense, Washington should oblige.

Of course, Hunt could be waiting around for a team that boasts a better chance of contending at this stage of his career. The player must also be wary of falling out of favor entirely given the short shelf-life of running backs compared to almost every other position.

It's an intriguing possibility if nothing else. One must also consider that there is relatively less tread on Hunt's tires after playing second-fiddle to Chubb in recent years - an overlooked positive to the equation that shouldn't be overlooked.

Washington has the cap space to make Hunt a decent offer if the reported interest was mutual. But the big question centers on whether the veteran would be willing to be a second or third option behind Robinson and Gibson.

As Anderson simply put it, all Commanders fans can do is wait and see.