Cleveland Browns: 3 Running backs who can replace Kareem Hunt
No. 1: Jerick McKinnon
If the Cleveland Browns wanted to go the free-agent route then Jerick McKinnon would make a lot of sense. The 30-year-old is a nine-year veteran and spent last season as the No. 2 back in Kansas City. He was an absolute weapon for Patrick Mahomes out of the back field and he could provide the same role for Desahun Watson in Cleveland.
McKinnon caught 56 passes for 512 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022. He was a very reliable target for Kansas City, and he is also one of the better pass blockers in the league for running backs. While he’s most known for his receiving abilities, McKinnon still had 291 yards on the ground last season.
Jerick McKinnon: Touchdown Machine 🔌 pic.twitter.com/AitRhjQLMx
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 10, 2023
Most importantly, he’s a selfless and intelligent player. He showed this when he slid down at the two-yard line late in their Super Bowl LVII win. McKinnon had a clear path to the end zone and could have scored a touchdown to put his team on top.
That would likely be a childhood dream come true but he understood that winning was most important. So rather than take a seven-point lead and give the Eagles a shot at a comeback, McKinnon let his team run down the clock, kick a field goal and win by three.
Pairing McKinnon with Chubb would be an ideal setup for the Browns heading into next season and I believe that Deshaun Watson would greatly benefit from his experience and receiving abilities.
