Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt has been absent in the last two team’s drilling sessions. Reports say that this was his way to put pressure on the team amid the new contract extension talk. The Ohio born-player is in the final year of his existing contract with the Browns, which means both parties have to match a decision.
CBS Sports NFL Insider’s Josina Anderson reported that Hunts received a two-year extension in 2020, reportedly worth $13,25 million after starting his career with the Chiefs. Last season he played in eight games, rushing for 386 yards after dealing with calf and ankle injuries. Hunt also rushed for a career-high 1327 yards in his rookie season.
Browns RB Kareem Hunt—currently seeking a contract extension—did not participate in team drills for the second consecutive practice on Saturday. Hunt told the team multiple times recently, his current plan is to participate in individuals drills only. Friday marked the first 1/4
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 6, 2022
At the minicamp in June, Hunt said that he just wanted an extension. The wide receiver is leaving his future up to the team’s decision while at the same time practicing by himself, excluded from his teammates.
“Right now I’m just taking it day by day, man,” he said. “I’m going to see what they want to do with me and I’m just taking it day by day. Hopefully I can be here longterm. We’ll see what God has in plan for me, that’s all I can say.”
Devoted to Browns
Despite the rumors spreading, Hunt said that he just wanted to give his best to his hometown team.
“I really don’t know what to think right now,” Hunt said. “I’m just trying to go out there and show them I’m healthy, show them I’m ready to ball out for them as long as they want me to, so I’d love to here for a long time.
“I was born and raised here,” Hunt added. “I’d love to finish my career here and just keep playing the game with (Nick) Chubb longer and with the great guys on this great team.”
Talking about his injury last season, Hunt said that he was in good condition as he spent the offseason improving his physics. He also added that he doesn’t like to be sidelined for too long.
“It’s tough because I’m not used to sitting at home and watching some games on the couch and stuff like that,” Hunt explained. “So it was kind of a weird thing. I don’t like that feeling, not being able to go out there and help the team, so it was very tough.”
Hunt is renowned for his dynamic tandem with running back Nick Chubb who earned a three-year, $36,6 million extension last summer. “I hope I get paid,” he said.
Last year, the Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed his need for Hunt in the team, saying that the player has an important part of the team.
“Kareem has a different style than each one of those guys,” he said.
Stefanski went on to complement Kareem’s play, saying “They all have their own flavor in terms of how they run and how they play. Certainly, Kareem’s style fits what we do. If we are able to get him back, we look forward to utilizing him.”
Hunt played for the Toledo Rockets in college, playing in 12 games with three starts and rushing for 866 yards on 137 carries with six touchdowns. In 2017, Kansas City Chiefs drafted him as the 85th overall pick in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.