Kareem Hunt addresses NFL future amid Commanders rumors

In an era in which NFL teams are devaluing the running back position, Kareem Hunt remains one of several notable running back free agents. Recently, his name came up in reports, stating the Washington Commanders had preliminary inquiries on the former Pro Bowl back.

Hunt talked to Jeff Schudel of the News-Herald about his football future while holding his annual football camp at his high school alma mater Willoughby South High School, this past week.

The Browns have moved on from Hunt after four seasons. He remains patient while on the market. But he is confident that he will be on an NFL roster soon. Yet, he’s enjoying time with his family and believes “it’s all going to work out at the end of the day.”

“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.”

If Hunt does land in Washington, he will reunite with Eric Bieniemy, the Commanders offensive coordinator. Bieniemy was the running backs coach with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017 during Hunt’s rookie season. Hunt led the NFL with 1,327 rushing yards, adding eight touchdowns on the ground.

Bieniemy then became the Chiefs offensive coordinator the following season. Hunt continued his emergence. He rushed for 824 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games in 2018 before getting suspended for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The suspension stemmed from a February 2018 incident that Hunt assaulted a woman in a hotel lobby.

The Chiefs released him in the middle of the season. Hunt never got charged. He resumed his NFL career, playing for his hometown Browns. Hunt spent four seasons with Cleveland, primarily backup up Nick Chubb.

Kareem Hunt is just 27 years old. But, the nature of the running backs position has him waiting for his next opportunity. It remains to be seen if that opportunity comes with Washington or elsewhere.