Free agent running back Kareem Hunt, who spent the last four years as Nick Chubb‘s backup and occasional 1-B option in Cleveland, finally generated some interest several days ago, when it was reported that the Commanders had made “preliminary inquiries” into his services. The Browns, meanwhile, decided several months ago that they would allow Hunt to seek opportunities elsewhere and would move 2022 fifth-rounder Jerome Ford into Hunt’s place on the depth chart.
That does not mean, however, that GM Andrew Berry is averse to adding more talent to the RB room. Berry did not select a running back in this year’s draft and has not yet acquired a veteran in free agency, but Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com believes he will ultimately do just that. She does caution that high-profile players like Ezekiel Elliott and the recently-released Dalvin Cook are not likely targets, and that the Browns will seek a player that could be had on a more modest deal. Speculatively, a back like Justin Jackson, James Robinson, or Kenyan Drake could fit the bill.
Chubb, who has earned Pro Bowl acclaim in each of the past four seasons, will obviously continue to serve as the focal point of Cleveland’s running game. Ford tallied a meager eight carries for 12 yards in his rookie campaign, but his efforts as the club’s primary kick returner (30 returns for 723 yards) suggest that he could be a useful complementary piece and Hunt-esque receiver out of the backfield. Indeed, as Cabot notes in a separate article (subscription required), Chubb has lauded Ford’s pass-catching ability, and the Browns’ coaching staff and front office clearly have a great deal of faith in his ability to take on an expanded role.
Still, another experienced option couldn’t hurt, as the Browns lost D’Ernest Johnson — who impressed in limited opportunities over the first four years of his career in Cleveland — to the Jaguars in free agency. At present, 2021 sixth-rounder Demetric Felton (eight career carries) is penciled in as the RB3.
Chubb, by virtue of the three-year, $36MM extension he signed in 2021, is under club control for the next two seasons.
Jeez. This team had a fearful running attack. They’re back at square one?
Square one? They still have one of the best running backs in the league lol
nick chubb is 27… he’s the veteran backup this year
Over 1500 yards and over 5 ypc has backup written all over it
That’s BS and I’m not even a Browns fan. Chubb is too 5 in the league easy. He’s not backing up anyone but his wife.
*was top 5
hell be cut age 28 just like every other RB
Too late to bring back Jim Brown but I think Leroy Kelly is available.
Earnest Byner is a free agent.
Be just fine.. Great Oline will let whomever the backup is do well.
This is not a huge problem,if at all for the Browns. Their largest issue is if Stefanski has matured into the job more. Roster has talent, needing strong HC leadership.
they still need a QB
It could be worse. The Browns could have Pickett
a better QB on a rookie deal and 1st round picks over the next 2 years?
I don’t even think you believe that.
If I’m Cleveland I would rather have a vet who can pass protect and take passes out the backfield than a spry youngster getting 2nd reps. Maybe 3 reps keeps a 3 RB hungry and RB2 vet on his toes
Kenyan Drake seems like a perfect fit for Cleveland – as he stills has some burst, he’s cheap, and he wouldn’t wear down in limited use.
If he is still up to his standard, Drake also excels as a pass catcher.
Robinson would be a good fit
Browns could go big and sign Dalvin Cook. He is expensive but they have around $17 million in Cap Space. Offer him a 2-year $23 million deal and go all in. After paying Watson that money they have no choice but to go for broke imo.
Imagine Nick Chubb goes down with an injury and misses significant time. Do either Robinson or Drake step in as legit RB1’s? I don’t think they do. Signing Cook would secure the backfield for the foreseeable future.
Not saying they will, just throwing a brick in the mix.
Too much $$$ for that position, even for this team.
That’s nuts. The Browns already have a top tier back, Nick Chubb. The Browns need a change of pace third-down back, who can occasionally spell out Chubb in mid-yardage situations.