NFL Rumors: Browns insider provides major update on Kareem Hunt’s future
Kareem Hunt has proven himself to be a viable running back for the Cleveland Browns but his time with the team could be coming to an end. Hunt is currently a free agent and there have been no reports of any other teams seeking his services. According to Browns insider Terry Pluto, the franchise will likely not bring back Hunt due to a decline in speed.
Pluto said:
"I kept hearing from the Browns that Hunt was 'slipping'nin terms of his speed. He averaged a career-low 3.8 yards per carry. Pro Football Focus ranked him 53rd out of 62 qualifying running backs."
The Pro Bowler was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Kareem Hunt finished second in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting after leading the league with 1,327 yards in his rookie season. He spent just one more season with the Chiefs before being released by the team.
Kareem Hunt was cut after not being honest with the team about an incident where he pushed and kicked a woman at a Cleveland hotel. However, a video later surfaced of the incident and the league suspended him in 2019 for eight games for breaching the NFL's personal conduct policy.
The Cleveland Browns signed him soon after, playing in the team's final eight games of the 2019 season. Hunt has been part of a backfield duo with Nick Chubb over the last couple of seasons, leading to fewer snaps in the Browns' offense.
Will the Browns go running back in the NFL draft to replace Kareem Hunt?
Cleveland won't have a first-round pick in this month's NFL draft due to the Deshaun Watson trade. Yet, that wouldn't stop general manager Andrew Berry from taking one to add depth to the position.
They likely won't be in play for Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson but could get Alabama Crimson Tide star Jahmyr Gibbs. UCLA back Zach Charbonnet could also be in play as a third-round selection.
Time will tell as to whether the Browns will seek Kareem Hunt's replacement in the coming weeks.
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