While Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott have commanded the headlines, there’s another former Pro Bowl running back who remains unsigned. With only weeks remaining until training camps open, Kareem Hunt is still a free agent. However, the veteran running back isn’t sweating his current status and expects to be on an NFL roster sooner than later.
Lae“I’m just being patient,” Hunt told Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald. “I’ve had some things come up. But right now, I’m enjoying my time with my family. I’m training and working hard and just staying ready.
“I’m not frustrated at all. It’s going to work itself out. Right now I’m just here to enjoy time with my family and show these kids a good time at this football camp. I know it’s all going to work out at the end of the day.”
Hunt found a home in Cleveland over the past four seasons, including a 2020 campaign where he finished with 1,145 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. The former third-round pick has continually served as the RB2 in Cleveland behind Nick Chubb, an arrangement that worked out for Hunt through his first three seasons with the organization. However, Hunt started to express displeasure about his role heading into his contract season, resulting in a public trade request. Hunt ended up sticking in Cleveland and saw a career-low 9.3 touches per game during the 2022 campaign.
The Browns haven’t done much to improve their RB corps this offseason, and with D’Ernest Johnson off to Jacksonville, former fifth-round pick Jerome Ford is set to be the top backup behind Chubb. While Hunt wasn’t particularly happy with his role in 2022, he didn’t completely shut the door on a return to Cleveland.
“The Browns are always going to be a team I have mad love for, but I’m not really talking about that stuff,” Hunt said. “I’m enjoying my time at this football camp and focused on my body and my mind. I’m in God’s hands and just looking forward to the next opportunity. It’ll be coming up soon, I’m pretty sure.”
Heading into what should be his age-28 season, Hunt will likely find a landing spot once injuries hit and teams get a longer look at their running back depth.
Seahawks please?
No thanks. Seahawks are looking good at RB.