The Browns have paid good money to feature back Nick Chubb, who leads the NFL in rushing almost halfway through the 2022 season. So it makes sense Cleveland would want to move backup Kareem Hunt — a one-time league rushing champion — before the Nov. 1 trade deadline.
To date, Hunt has rushed for 263 yards on 66 carries and three touchdowns in seven games. Additionally, he has registered 87 yards on 15 catches for one touchdown. Hunt is currently averaging career worsts in average rushing yards per carry (3.98) and receiving yards per catch (5.8).
Hunt, 27, is a pending free agent making $6.25 million on the final year of his current contract. The Browns, at 2-5, should try to get something decent in return for him now given his limited usage and the fact D’Ernest Johnson already proved in 2021 he can be a strong No. 2 to Chubb.
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Here’s looking at what outside teams should be most interested in the versatile veteran:
Kareem Hunt’s five best landing spots
1. New York Jets
This is the most obvious best fit after the Jets lost dynamic rookie back Breece Hall for the season with a torn ACL. He was the lifeblood of both their rushing and receiving attack. At 5-2, the Jets should want to upgrade from second-year back Michael Carter. Hunt, would produce well in their zone-blocking system in run-heavy offense and also serve as a key outlet for Zach Wilson. He would be a very serviceable stand-in for the rest of the season for the Jets.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are looking for a complete veteran back with pending free agent Miles Sanders being inconsistent and second-year back Kenneth Gainwell still a bit green. They were on the fringe for Christian McCaffrey before the former Panther got traded instead to the 49ers. This would offer another seamless all-purpose transition for Hunt to help Jalen Hurts.
3. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have an awesome featured replacement for Rashaad Penny in explosive rookie Kenneth Walker. Walker has been dominant with his running, but Seattle uses him in a limited receiving capacity. Walker could use some experience insurance and a complement for third-down work.
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4. Buffalo Bills
The Bills, like the Eagles, were tied to McCaffrey. Hunt can be a cheaper receiving-forward option to help clean up the committee of Devin Singletary and rookie James Cook.
5. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are doing their best with their replacement committee for Cordarrelle Patterson with rookie Tyler Allgeier looking like the best option. But at 3-4 with eyes on stealing the weak NFC South, they might want a more reliable backfield player for their super run-heavy offense under coach Arthur Smith.
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