Keep Kareem Hunt.
OK, so perhaps Kareem Hunt’s timing was a bit – or a lot – off.
Maybe he wasn’t acting from a position of strength.
And the manner in which he did it – tried to raise awareness about his wants and needs concerning his contract situation by staying away from practice for a day or two — has caused everyone to scratch their heads.
But let me be very, very clear in saying that, when the time is right, the running back needs to get a new deal – with commiserate pay – and the Browns have to get it done.
“He’s my best friend on and off the field. – I couldn’t imagine playing without him. I want him to be here. Whatever they gotta do to keep him here.” #Browns Nick Chubb on Kareem Hunt pic.twitter.com/Z6WFIuGaiL
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) August 8, 2022
Indeed, they need this Willoughby South High School and University of Toledo product. In fact, they can’t do without him if they want to get to the Super Bowl and win it, which is their goal now.
Yes, Nick Chubb is the guy at running back. He’s no doubt one of the best in the NFL.
But Chubb is physical and punishing, and runners with that style can and does get you hurt. When that happens, you need a quality back at No. 1, and Hunt is that guy.
Hunt is No. 2 but should be on the field with Chubb and touch the ball a lot as both a runner and pass catcher. With the Browns lacking at both wide receiver and tight end, Hunt becomes a viable component in the passing game, being positioned in the backfield, on the wing, in the slot and on the flank. He can do a lot of things, and he can do them well.
With all kinds of questions at quarterback, the supporting cast on offense takes on an extra-important role. Jacoby Brissett is not a long-ball thrower, so the Browns will run the ball a lot and use plenty of short throws. That’s right in Hunt’s wheelhouse.
A team needs to keep its best players, no matter what, and Kareem Hunt is one of the Browns’ best.
Steve King
- Browns announce unofficial depth chart for Week 1 preseason vs. Jaguars (clevelandbrowns.com)
- HUNTing for a negative (BDD 9-10-20)
- Cleveland Browns: 5 teams that could trade for Kareem Hunt (Dawg Pound Daily)
- Are the Browns interested in Colin Kaepernick if Watson is suspended the whole season? (AS USA)
- A tip from Byner and Mack
- WHIO Radio is the exclusive home of Cleveland Browns Football on the radio in the Miami Valley (WHIO)
- Cleveland Browns RB Kareem Hunt practices after demanding trade (WKYC)
- Martin Emerson Jr. Continues to Impress in Cleveland Browns Training Camp (Sports Illustrated)
