Earlier Sunday evening the news broke that Kareem Hunt had requested a trade from the Browns. This comes after the two parties couldn’t agree on a contract extension. Browns’ beat writer for Cleveland.com, Mary Kay Cabot, broke the news via Twitter.
Kareem Hunt is a very talented running back who accumulated over 1,800 total yards in 32 games with the Browns. As a pure No. 1 running back in Kansas City he recorded nearly 3,000 total yards and 25 touchdowns. Unfortunately for Hunt however, the Browns can still afford to not extend him and just exchange him for draft picks. Cleveland has Nick Chubb, D’Ernest Johnson and Jerome Ford still on the roster which makes for a very good running back room as is.
Many teams aren’t in that situation though and will be very interested in the former Pro Bowl running back. NFC teams definitely have an edge here as the Browns would prefer to trade him out the conference as it is full of contending teams already. Let’s look over a few places I would love to see Kareem Hunt land.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles already have a very good running back in Miles Sanders but he has had his issues staying on the field. Adding someone like Kareem Hunt could be perfect for this offense. Allowing Sanders to split carries with Hunt has shown to be something very effective in Cleveland. Currently the Eagles have one of the top offensive lines in the NFL, and we have seen how effective Hunt is behind a great offensive line.
This also adds another piece to a young offense in Philly that looks to take major steps next season. The Eagles have already shown to be all in on winning games with their trade for A.J. Brown. Bringing in a running back like Kareem Hunt could help the Eagles win a wide open NFC East.
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans doesn’t have a lot of cash to give out, especially to a running back, but they could need some depth there. Ironically enough Alvin Kamara could be dealing with his own off the field issues this season causing him to miss games. The Saints still sit pretty high on the totem pole in the NFC and could be able to make a deep run with Hunt added.
Kansas City Chiefs
A reunion with the Chiefs would feel right if you ask me. Hunt & Mahomes were such an elite duo as they made you worry about the running game and the deep passing game. They currently have an extra 4th round pick in the 2023 draft that I’m sure Cleveland would love to take. Clyde Edwards-Helaire hasn’t been nearly what the Chiefs have hoped for and KC really hasn’t had that same rushing attack since Hunt left.
Las Vegas Raiders
First off I understand Kareem Hunt & Las Vegas probably don’t sound like a good mix BUT hear me out. The Raiders are obviously in a Super Bowl or bust mood with the addition of DaVante Adams to the team. They also are one of the only teams that would actually have the money to give Hunt a nice deal going forward.
Currently they have Josh Jacobs who is dealing with his own contract issues himself, but has shown to be a legit threat in the back field already. The one/two punch of Josh Jacobs and Kareem Hunt would be very interesting for defenses to worry about on top of the receivers they have out there. They did bring in Kenyan Drake to possibly be more of the receiving/ third down back in their offense but I don’t think he locked in a role just yet.
