Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt. Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Did Browns make mistake not trading Kareem Hunt?

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 2/2/23

The Browns had an underwhelming 2022 season, finishing with a 7-10 record. And after trading a kings ransom for QB Deshaun Watson last offseason, should Cleveland regret not trading RB Kareem Hunt?

We'll find out what happens come free agency in March. But it's looking more and more like the Browns should have gotten what they could for Hunt when they had the chance.

Cleveland isn't scheduled to make its first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft until day two at No. 43, and then not again until pick No. 99.

Hunt will also reportedly only return to Cleveland on a cheap deal if no other team wants to pay him. He's projected to receive a two-year deal with an annual salary of about $7 million, according to Spotrac.

Trending: Pending FA RB Kareem Hunt will only return to the #Browns if it’s on a cheap deal and no other team wants to pay him, says @ScottPetrak
— JPA (@jasrifootball) January 30, 2023

The free agency market for running backs does seem to be crowded, giving hope to those who want Hunt to return. However, this list could shrink a lot between now and then if teams want to keep what's theirs.

A reminder of how stacked this RB free agency has the potential to be:

- Saquon Barkley
- Tony Pollard
- David Montgomery
- Kareem Hunt
- Rashaad Penny
- Jamaal Williams
- Josh Jacobs
- D’Onta Foreman
- Miles Sanders
- Damien Harris
- James Robinson
- Alexander Mattison
— JPA (@jasrifootball) January 31, 2023

Hunt, who tuns 28 in August, ran for 468 yards and three touchdowns this season. And likely next in line to replace him is RB Jerome Ford, who had just eight carries for 12 yards in 2022.

There have been rumors of Hunt getting traded for years and it never happened. Now he may be going out the door leaving the Browns empty handed.

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