The Browns are once again a popular pick to make a deep postseason run, and their talent at running back is one of many reasons why. The depth chart is topped by Nick Chubb, who has earned two Pro Bowl nods in three professional seasons and whose 5.2 YPC average underscores his excellence. Behind Chubb, of course, is Kareem Hunt, a similarly capable runner who is also a force in the passing game.
When the Rams lost Cam Akers to an Achilles tear last week, there was chatter that LA could look to the free agent or trade markets to replace him. While the Rams have indicated they are comfortable with their in-house options, Hunt would profile as an intriguing trade target for any RB-needy team given the Browns’ depth (Cleveland is also rostering third-year pro D’Ernest Johnson, who has played well in limited snaps, and sixth-round rookie Demetric Felton).
Hunt’s trade appeal is heightened by the fact that he is tied to eminently reasonable base salaries of $1.3MM and $1.35MM over the next two seasons. However, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com (subscription required) writes that the Browns have no interest in trading Hunt.
As Cabot observes, the Browns did not suffer much of a drop-off at all when Hunt replaced an injured Chubb for a few games in 2020, and she expects the club to continue to expand Hunt’s role. Thanks to Hunt’s receiving prowess, he and Chubb could appear on the field together a great deal this season, which will only make a potentially explosive offense even more dynamic. So regardless of whatever injuries or underperformance rival clubs might experience this summer, Hunt will not be made available.
In other Browns news, Cabot reports that no players will open training camp on the PUP list. Players like Odell Beckham, Grant Delpit, and Greedy Williams are all coming off major injuries, but they will be ready to hit the field with their teammates right away (though the Browns will continue to be cautious, of course).
The Rams won’t be getting up any serious capital in their state. Chatter about Hunt getting traded is driven mostly by people in the fantasy football realm. Wishful thinking.
Agreed with cheaper options in free agency why would they bother trading the fee picks they do have for hunt?
Probably because he’s better. People still available are still available for a reason
I thought because of his connection to Nagy and the status of Cohen, the Bears might make a pitch for him. The Browns apparently recognize a good insurance policy when they see one.
I think he’s more than an insurance policy. Insurance is something hope you never have to use. Hunt will be in on 50% of the plays
Patriots could trade for him, possibly a package centering around hoyer, seems good for both teams
Brian Hoyer? Seriously doubt that the Browns want anything centered around Hoyer at all…..Maybe a trade with the Pats with others players, OK I can see that….but Hoyer the main part of that trade, no way.
Not one mention of his 3+ violent off the field issues? Hope nobody signs him. This dude has issues, regardless of whether he can carry the football.
He’s already signed. He’s played the last year and a half with the Browns. It amazes me that people would either comment on an article they didn’t read or comment on a sport they know very little about. Sorry for being harsh
@MileHighFan: 3+ issues? You’re name must reflect what you’re smoking, and not Denver’s altitude. Hunt has had one “issue”. Granted it was pretty ugly. But Cleveland did a thorough check of his background (Hunt is from Cleveland suburb, played at Toledo, so his family, coaches, friends were easily available), and must have been good enough for Browns to sign him and have him fill a roster spot while serving his suspension. He has been pretty much a model since then, and by all outward appearances seems to be a classic case of made a (serious) mistake, atoned for it, and grew into reputable person afterwards.
Hunt is not just a piece with Cleveland. He’s a valuable part of the gameplan. They can run a variety of ground plays for either him or Chubb and have the other fresh and ready to go a play or two later. The Browns use their backs like many other teams use wideouts, as different ball handling options. And it allows for more precise passing plays and takes pressure of Mayfield to be perfect in the pocket. The play-action options are immense. It makes sense for them to retain both.