Kareem Hunt gets extension, serious second chance with Browns
Kareem Hunt was once atop the NFL world. A rookie with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017, Hunt took over there starting job for an injured Spencer Ware and proceeded to lead the league in rushing with 1,327 yards on the ground.
Then, suddenly, he was a free agent. In Nov. 2018, Hunt was released by the Chiefs after video revealed he had kicked a 19-year-old women at an Ohio hotel during the offseason, and subsequently lied to the team about it. Hunt was also suspended eight games by commissioner Roger Goodell, before signing with the Cleveland Browns.
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In Cleveland last year, Hunt largely languished behind Nick Chubb, racking up 179 yards on 4.2 yards per carry.
However, the new front office believes in Hunt, signing him to a two-year extension (signing him through 2022) for $13.25 million.
In a statement from general manager Andrew Berry, the Browns explained the thought process behind extending the fourth-year veteran. Per NFL.com:
“Kareem Hunt is a core component of our offense. He has been a great teammate, outstanding worker, and steadfast in his desire to have success in his hometown for the long term. Personal growth is often times non-linear but Kareem has remained committed to becoming the best version of himself and we are proud of the redemptive strides he has taken. He understands the opportunity he has in front of him — provided he maintains his current personal trajectory — and we look forward to the contributions he will continue to make to our team.”
Read: DeAndre Hopkins Signs Lucrative Contract Extension with Cardinals
Hunt should help Cleveland to have one of the deepest offenses in the league. The Browns now boast Hunt and Chubb in the backfield with receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry on the perimeter, with tight ends Austin Hooper and David Njoku. Factor in the potential resurgence of quarterback Baker Mayfield under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, and the Browns have weapons for days.
Ultimately, from a strictly football standpoint, signing Hunt makes sense. He ensures Chubb stays fresh without losing quality snaps, and Cleveland also gets him on a relatively cheap deal considering his talent.
As for Kareem Hunt, he gets security from his hometown team and an opportunity maybe didn’t believe he’d get. Whether he deserves it or not is another conversation and column, but he has it, and now has to make the Browns look wise for providing it.
