Browns will have to decide on bringing back fan favorite in free agency

Kareem Hunt wasn’t even supposed to be on the Cleveland Browns in 2023, but he was and he set a career high along the way.

In Week 2, the Browns lost Nick Chubb and a quick scramble led them to Hunt. In 15 games played, Hunt set a career-high with nine touchdown runs. It surpassed the eight that he had as a rookie with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now, the Browns will have to decide on bringing Hunt back on a one-year deal.

What does Kareem Hunt offer the Browns?

Hunt is not going to break off many long runs at this point in his career. Instead, the Browns fully embraced him as a short yardage back in 2023 and it had its benefits.

Last season, Hunt ran for 411 yards and did not have a run longer than 16 yards. The 3.0 yards per carry were a career-low for the 28-year-old running back.

Still, Hunt is a pass-catching threat when a play breaks down. He can then dump offs into positive yardage and he’s more than just a willing blocker. Hunt has now played five of his seven seasons with the Browns.

Outlook on whether or not Hunt is back with the Browns

If all goes to plan, Nick Chubb is going to be the primary back for the Browns once he is healthy. Cleveland has to make sure that he can return to that kind of workload off of the injury.

Both Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. are under contract next season, that’s not to say that the Browns couldn’t move on from one if they wanted.

The move that makes the most sense right now is for the Browns to draft another running back or bring in a veteran during free agency. Don’t expect that initial veteran to be Hunt, as they’ll need a multi-down back.

Hunt’s most likely path to being on the team is another late pickup. If an injury comes about, he should be on a list for the Browns. Since he is not what he once was, it is tough to bring him into the fold as just a short yardage back, it’ll be a different story if that need arises.

If 2023 was Hunt’s final season with the Browns, fans should remember him for what he stepped in and did. Following a catastrophic injury to Chubb, Hunt stepped in and scored nine touchdowns. The Browns couldn’t ask for more.