Browns reportedly want 'Christian McCaffrey-style haul' for RB Kareem Hunt

There are conflicting stories regarding what the Cleveland Browns may or may not want for the services of running back Kareem Hunt before next Tuesday's trade deadline. 

On Wednesday, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported that "a league source" says the Browns would like to receive "a Christian McCaffrey-style haul" in a trade involving Hunt. Last week, the San Francisco 49ers sent the Carolina Panthers second, third, and fourth-round draft choices in 2023 and a fifth-round pick in 2024 for McCaffrey. 

Florio notes the asking price could change if the 2-5 Browns lose at home against the 4-3 Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night. 

"If the Browns fall to 2-6, they may need to start thinking about loading up assets for improving the team in 2023, especially since Hunt will be gone after 2022, anyway," Florio explained. "If they beat the Bengals and move to 3-5, the vibe could be different. The Browns may be more inclined to hold Hunt, unless they get the kind of offer they want." 

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said that Hunt "is available for a fourth-round pick" after the 27-year-old in a contract year made it known over the summer he wanted to be traded. 

"Hunt's $1.35-million salary is attractive; his $200,000 per-game roster bonuses are not," Fowler pointed out. "But the Browns could always restructure those bonuses into a signing bonus to make him more trade friendly."

While Hunt is set to hit free agency after the season, McCaffrey is signed through the 2025 campaign and won't be a rental for the 49ers unless he goes down with a devastating injury at some point over the next several months. 

Thus far this season, Hunt has 263 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 66 carries, with 15 catches for 87 yards and an additional score.