3 reasons Browns need to give Kareem Hunt a new contract

Kareem Hunt recently expressed his desire to stay in Cleveland for the foreseeable future with a potential new contract. Here are three reasons that’s a good idea

This past week, Kareem Hunt was interviewed about his desire to stay in his hometown of Cleveland and be part of the Browns team for years to come, even saying he can see himself finishing his career here.

2022 is the final year of his current deal and the Cleveland Browns could re-sign him at any time — or they could let him play out his last year on the old contract. If that happens, Hunt could then become a free agent in 2023 and move onto a new team.

While Hunt has been a No. 1 back in the league — he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs back in 2017 and won the league rushing title as a rookie — he’s come to the Browns and has been the second back in tandem with Nick Chubb. While the two have done well while they split time on the field, you have to wonder what they’re planning on doing with Hunt in the future.

If the Browns were to trade Hunt now, they could save some significant money in cap space; over $6.25 million. There will be suitors for the former Toledo Rocket this offseason so would Cleveland rather reap the financial benefits now or let him walk next summer? Or are they committed to him and will try and work out a deal now?

I find this situation with Hunt very telling if the team does allow him to play out the season and not try to reach a new deal sooner than later. Hunt was injured for nine games last year and that affected the overall team performance.

In a nutshell, it hurt the team a lot and it showed by the team missing out on a playoff appearance two years in a row. Back in 2020, there was no stopping Hunt and his production and impact on the game. It was his block on the play that allowed his former quarterback Baker Mayfield to get the first down against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the last game of the regular season — which propelled the team into the playoffs.

Before that 2020 season started the Browns signed Hunt to a one-year deal worth $3.2 million but they upped the deal in September of that year when they added on two more years worth almost $11 million. At the time, it was big news because the extension took place well before it needed to. It was a great sign that the front office was invested in Hunt.

Hunt will be turning 27 years old in a few weeks and while that is still young, the lingering effects after an injury can be concerning for a running back. However, that shouldn’t stop the Browns from pursuing a new deal.

Let’s discuss three main reasons that signing Hunt sooner than later would be a good move for the team.