Kareem Hunt signing great for Nick Chubb, Browns wide receiver core
By Mitch Zoloty
The Cleveland Browns have recently made a splash in the news with the signing of former Kansas City running back Kareem Hunt. This signing is great news for the Cleveland Browns’ offense.
Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey has never been afraid to take a chance on players with controversial pasts. Tyreek Hill and Kareem Hunt were his two biggest successes of his gambles while calling the shots in Kansas City. Hunt recently was caught up in the news with a domestic violence incident that happened in Cleveland. This led to him being released by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hunt sat in free agency for a while, as he is currently waiting to figure out what his suspension will be from the league. This didn’t stop Dorsey, who decided to take the shot and bring him into the fold. Hunt saw great success while in Kansas City and will hopefully bring the same level to success to the Browns.
His signing is great news for Browns current starting running back Nick Chubb. This means that Nick Chubb won’t have to worry about his health deteriorating, as this usually happens to running backs who take 20-25 carries a game.
More from Browns Free Agency
- Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
- 5 Free agents from Super Bowl LVII Cleveland Browns should target
- Parris Campbell named as Cleveland Browns wide receiver target
- One and Done: First year Browns players that didn’t earn a second season
- 4 terrible decisions by the Cleveland Browns in 2022
Chubb saw around 18 carries per game last season, and at one point took 28 in one game.
That amount of wear and tear can take its toll on a running back, so Hunt will be able to take the load off without changing the running style of the offense too much. One problem the Browns had last year was that Chubb and Duke were different styles of running backs, so it was hard to be able to plug one in to do what the other did and have the job be done effectively. Hunt is a lot more like Chubb in terms of playstyle than Duke is, so that will benefit the Browns rushing attack.
The signing of Kareem Hunt also allows Duke Johnson, Jr. to further his transition to slot receiver. Duke already had more catches last year than he did rushes, so expect that trend to continue. Duke’s possible transition to the slot will give the Browns much-needed depth to the wide receiver room.
The Browns could see a lot of 3-4 wide receiver looks next year, with Chubb/Hunt at running back, Duke Johnson Jr and Jarvis Landry at the inside receiver position, then David Njoku and a drafted wide receiver on the outsides.
Next. Hunt addition could lead to Duke Johnson’s departure. dark
This signing is a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Browns. If Hunt is not a fit, they do not lose much. If Hunt ends up continuing his level of play, then the Browns will have the best backfield in the NFL.