What the addition of Kareem Hunt means for the Browns

By: Matthew Lippe, Football Analyst

Less than 3 months ago, Kareem Hunt was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, coming off one of the most electric games of the year, where the Chiefs lost 51-54 against the Los Angeles Rams. Hunt was a probable pro-bowler with a total of 824 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns and 5 games remaining. However, heading into Week 13, a video of Kareem Hunt getting into an altercation with a woman was released by TMZ, and a few hours later the Chiefs cut Kareem Hunt. We will look at why the Chiefs cut Kareem Hunt at the time and why the Browns can succeed with Hunt.

With Hunt now being signed by the Browns, some, in hindsight, may criticize the Chiefs for cutting Kareem Hunt so quickly, but it was the right move. To refresh, this same incident had been brought to the Chief’s attention in early August and they had discussed the issue with Kareem, and he had said that he didn’t touch the woman. However, when the video was released in November, it clearly showed Hunt kicking the woman and this was a breach of trust by Hunt and the Chiefs had a tough decision to make: do they keep Hunt, even though he lied to their organization and hope he comes back in time for the playoffs or move on from Hunt and clear themselves of all the baggage. By cutting Hunt on the same day of the release of the video, the Chiefs were able to assert where they stood on the issue and that it is not worth it lie to the organization.

The Browns signing Hunt is a very interesting move. They already had a very impressive backfield featuring Nick Chubb and Duke Johnson.  Adding Kareem gives the Browns even more options. However, Hunt will most likely be suspended for some amount of time and there is always the possibility that he will not be removed from the commissioner’s exempt list.  This is why the Browns are the perfect team to take the risk. If Hunt is able to return, then they are able to work him in and have a fantastic trio of backs. If he cannot return, then the Browns are down just $1 million. Further, with Kareem being from Ohio, the Browns are getting a homegrown talent on their team. I personally believe that this is the best situation for Hunt to be successful, because he will be playing back where he grew up and will have two other running backs to play with.

With the addition of the 23 year old Hunt, the Browns have added another young talent to their already young core. With players such as Baker Mayfield, Myles Garrett, Nick Chubb, David Njoku, Jarvis Landry, and Denzel Ward, who are all 26 years old or younger, the Browns are quickly looking like the team of the future in the AFC North. The Browns finished 2018 with a 7-8-1 record, but could have easily gone 11-5 or 10-6, had they been able to close out games. This, paired with the fact that the Steelers, Bengals, and Ravens are all getting older and have many different problems that need fixed, is why I believe the Browns will make the playoffs as a wildcard team next year. The future is bright in Cleveland and if they can get any production out of Hunt, then Cleveland becomes an even more dynamic team.

Finally, I am always one for second chances and I think Hunt deserves one, but it’s not his on-field performance that is going to have to change, but his off-field actions for him to stay in the league.