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Five players the Cleveland Browns could try to extend next

By Mitch Zoloty

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 08: Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi #65 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after the Cleveland Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Bengals 27-19. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 08: Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi #65 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after the Cleveland Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Bengals 27-19. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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No 2. Kareem Hunt

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns high fives a fan while running onto the field alongside teammate Chad Thomas #92 prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. Cardinals won 38-24. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns high fives a fan while running onto the field alongside teammate Chad Thomas #92 prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. Cardinals won 38-24. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

A Kareem Hunt extension is going to be one of the most interesting storylines to follow this season that is not on the field for the Cleveland Browns. Hunt performed well last season, proving to be a nice weapon in the passing game. Head coach Kevin Stefanski seems to be trying to get Hunt a bigger role in the passing game, as he has been involved in some meetings with the Browns receivers.

Depending on how well Hunt does this season in that new role will determine the type of money he will be able to make in 2021. Of all of the upcoming free agents on the roster, Hunt probably could change his value the most this season. Running backs who are also extremely effective in the passing game get paid, as that was evident with Christian McCaffrey’s contract.

Hunt finds himself in a very rare position this upcoming offseason. He plays a position that is heavily scrutinized by Twitter experts and analytical fans who think running backs are worthless. Large running back contracts have mostly flopped recently, and the value of the position has been declining while every other position has been rapidly increasing. However, he enters free agency in the middle of his prime with fresh legs, and is still the same player who led the league in rushing yards his rookie season.

Extending Hunt’s contract likely boils down to whether or not he wants to be with the Browns long term. He’s likely going to get paid elsewhere, especially if he does well in his newfound role on the team. If the team wants to keep him past 2020, they have to act fast to find a contract that works for both parties. A contract similar to what the Los Angeles Chargers gave Austin Ekeler would be ideal for the Browns, who could then let Hunt go when the time comes to pay Nick Chubb.

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