3 reasons Browns need to give Kareem Hunt a new contract

Reason No. 1 to re-sign Kareem Hunt: Steps up in big moments

Kareem Hunt has seemingly loved to play when the lights are brightest. You need players like that on your team that can help carry your team when nerves might be at a high level. When you review Hunt and his record and play over the last several years, he’s always brought his “A” game.

My fondest memory of Hunt’s value to the Browns occurred back in 2020 when the Browns hosted the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football in a game in December. While Cleveland eventually lost the game in the closing moments, it was Hunt’s play, especially in the late stages of the game that gave everyone watching an appreciation of his skill and effort.

He scored two touchdowns and had six rushes and six receptions that added up to 110 total yards. He caught a late screen pass for 22 yards from Baker Mayfield and was able to weave his way into the endzone.

There was only a minute left in the game and the two teams were tied at 42-42, a game that the Browns were trailing at one point 34-20. Unfortunately, they couldn’t keep the Ravens from scoring one last time.

In the first playoff game for the Browns in 2020 when they played the Pittsburgh Steeler on the road, Hunt came up with two big touchdown runs early to help the team go on top 28-0. It was that effort on his second score where he bulldozed his way through a gang of Steelers at about the five-yard line and carried them into the endzone that I’ll always remember.

As I mentioned earlier, it wasn’t always the run or reception that Hunt made that made the difference. In the game against the Steelers that got the team into the playoffs in 2020, it was Hunt’s block that allowed his quarterback Baker Mayfield to run for the first down.

Hunt is a football player. He loves the game, his teammates, and the community that he plays for. Having the Browns work out a new contract for him would be in the team’s best interest. Let’s hope that happens soon.