Report: NFL's probe into Kareem Hunt will likely end before free agency

There is a belief around league circles that the NFL's investigation into three separate incidents involving former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will conclude before free agency starts in March, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports, citing sources.

Hunt is likely to be back on the field in 2019, though he could miss the beginning of the season through suspension, Rapoport adds.

The 23-year-old was placed on the commissioner's exempt list the same day a video surfaced on Nov. 30 showing him pushing and kicking a woman in a Cleveland-area hotel. The Chiefs released Hunt shortly thereafter.

Once Hunt's exemption is lifted, any team will be free to sign him via free agency.

Multiple teams have shown interest in adding the 2017 rushing leader, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy admitted Tuesday that he called Hunt the week prior but insisted the conversation was merely personal. Nagy served as Hunt's offensive coordinator in 2017.

The league's continuing investigation also includes allegations that Hunt was involved in an altercation at a club and punched a man at an Ohio resort in June.

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