Running back Kareem Hunt. Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Could RB Kareem Hunt return to the Browns?

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/22/23

Former NFL rushing leader Kareem Hunt likely believes he’s ready to be a starting running back again, but a lukewarm running back market may say otherwise.

According to The Athletic’s Zac Jackson, if Hunt doesn’t generate any significant interest on the open market a return to the Cleveland Browns may be in his best interest.

“I think Jerome Ford is the No. 2 running back,” Jackson recently said on his “Civilized Barking” podcast. “Do I believe the Browns will draft one if they keep seven or eight picks? Yes, it’s a great draft class and we know nothing is guaranteed with Nick Chubb past this coming year. As I mentioned before, there’s a 25-30 percent chance that D’Ernest Johnson or Kareem Hunt eventually comes back to this team. Maybe more like 40-45 percent for Johnson.”

Johnson agreed to a one-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, likely increasing the odds of a Hunt-Browns reunion.

Source: There’s still a decent chance RB Kareem Hunt signs back with the #Browns. Hunt was hoping for a bigger opportunity and more money elsewhere on the open market. There’s still a good shot he’s not on the Browns in 2023, but it remains in the cards and is possible, I’m told.
— Noah Weiskopf (@BrownsWithNoah) March 16, 2023

Hunt, an Ohio native, appeared to be at peace after the Browns regular season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers if his time in Cleveland was indeed over.

“It don’t get much better than playing for your hometown team and giving it your all each and every time you touch the field,” Hunt told reporters. “But God’s got a plan, I’m looking forward to what he has in store for me, so we’ll see what it is.”

Hunt is one of three starting-caliber running backs, along with Ezekiel Elliott and Leonard Fournette, that’s still available in free agency. The 27-year-old spent the last four seasons with the Browns after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs in November of 2018.

During his tenure in Cleveland, Hunt logged 1,874 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns on 442 carries plus 132 receptions for 973 yards and seven touchdowns as the backup to Chubb. Hunt had more rushing yards (2,151) and receiving touchdowns (10) in two seasons with Kansas City than in his four seasons with Cleveland.

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