The Cleveland Browns will most likely be replacing Kareem Hunt this offseason. Here are three possible replacements for the former league-leading rusher.
The Cleveland Browns and running back Kareem Hunt will more than likely go their separate ways this offseason. The Browns could never quite figure out how to use the talented tailback as his production slipped dramatically last season.
Aside from his few starts when he replaced an injured Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt always had the fans wanting more. The coaching staff tried a few different paths for on-field production for Hunt but, especially last year, it was to no avail.
With the transaction wire about to heat up next month, here are three running backs that can replace Kareem Hunt as the second running back next season.
Cleveland Browns options at RB2 in 2023
No. 3: Jerome Ford
Jerome Ford is one of the most likely candidates to replace Hunt as he’s already with the team and the front office spent a fifth-round draft selection on him in the 2022 NFL Draft. Ford only saw eight rushing attempts for 12 yards last season as a rookie, but he did handle most of the kick-returning duties. Ford had some explosive returns, including a 48-yarder against the Dolphins.
Jerome Ford had an excellent senior season in 2021 for the University of Cincinnati where he ran for 1,319 yards and 19 touchdowns, leading the way for the Bearcats’ first College Football Playoffs birth.
Originally playing his college football at Alabama, Ford transferred to UC following his second season with the Crimson Tide for more playing time. That was a wise decision as his production as a Bearcat led him to become an NFL draft pick and possibly having a bigger role with the Browns next season.
No. 2: D’Ernest Johnson
D’Ernest Johnson is a likely candidate to replace Kareem Hunt and certainly is the most accomplished running back on the Browns roster not named Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt. Johnson will be a free agent this offseason so they would need to re-sign him.
In 2021, Johnson became a fan favorite when he filled in while both Chubb and Hunt were injured. A Week 7 game against the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football saw him and Case Keenum working together, leading Cleveland to a 17-14 win. Johnson was fantasti with 146 yards on the ground and 22 as a receiver, with a rushing touchdown as well.
On the year, he had 534 yards and three touchdowns on the ground and finished with another huge 123-yard game in Week 18 against the Bengals.
Johnson didn’t get much playing time in 2022 as he only carried the ball four times for 17 yards, and he wasn’t on the active roster for a bunch of games. I’m not sure if he fell out of favor (or the depth just kept him off the field) but the talent and patience are prominent with Johnson based on his 2021 season. He should get a look as someone’s No. 2 running back in 2023 — perhaps with the Browns.
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.
3 Affordable defensive ends Cleveland Browns can target in free agency
Jadeveon Clowney isn't coming back and Chase Winovich isn't guaranteed either, so the Cleveland Browns need to kick the tires on these free agents