The Cleveland Browns’ shift to a younger and more financially flexible running back room started in 2024, when the team decided to move on from Kareem Hunt and enter that season with Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong at the top of the depth chart.
The move was criticized by some, as Nick Chubb was still working his way back from the career-altering knee injury he suffered the year prior. Hunt’s yards per carry averages had dipped from a career-high 4.9 during his injury-shortened 2021 season to 3.8 in 2022 and 3.0 in 2023. Still, Hunt wound up signing with the Kansas City Chiefs and played a role in them reaching Super Bowl LIX.
Hunt, who recently turned 31, has been sitting at home all offseason as one of the league’s forgotten veteran free agents. That could change in short order, though, as Hunt reportedly visited with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday with an eye on returning for the 2026 season.
Free-agent RB Kareem Hunt visited today with the Detroit Lions. pic.twitter.com/fwsxVdkzg8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 25, 2026
Kareem Hunt is seeking an NFL home, but it wasn’t Cleveland who came calling
There has been some running back movement over the past week, and you could make the argument that the Browns’ backfield could use some veteran help.
As it stands, Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson are set to lead the backfield as second-year pros. The No. 3 running back spot should come down to a pair of 2025 undrafted players in Raheim Sanders and Ahmani Marshall.
The New Orleans Saints recently swung a trade with the 49ers for Zamir White, and former Steelers early-down back Najee Harris recently signed with the Giants. Hunt could be next in line after topping 600 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in a rotational role for the Chiefs last year.
Hunt’s contact balance and ability to break tackles have been a constant throughout his career, including his five seasons with the Browns. He brings some receiving upside and has always been effective around the goal line. Hunt has 55 career rushing touchdowns, including five seasons with at least seven scores; he’s rushed for 24 touchdowns over the past three years alone.
Hunt could end up signing with the Lions, who are in dire need of depth behind bell-cow Jahmyr Gibbs. Isiah Pacheco suffered a sprained MCL in training camp, and former UFL standout Jacob Saylors might be the next best option on their roster.
The Browns are quietly in a similar spot, but they’re so thin at other position groups that paying a running back on the backside of his career like Hunt won't be on their radar ahead of the regular season.
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