Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt was reportedly on his move to join the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Armando Salguero of OutKick.com. It was said by Salguero that the 27-year-old would welcome a trade possibility to play in Philadelphia.
“Hunt would be open to the move, according to a source familiar with his thinking. No, he’s not demanding a trade, a source told OutKick on Friday, because he likes playing for the Browns,” Salguero said.
“But if the Eagles value him enough to trade for him and give him a contract extension as part of the deal, he’d be very welcoming.”
Playing for the Browns this offseason, Hunt, had been on a contract agreement with the Browns, worth a $1.35 million base salary per year. Per Salguero, he demanded a new contract extension.
Salguero also added that the recently-signed contract agreement between Browns management and another running back, D’Ernest Johnson, this summer, was likely “a preparation” from the franchise for Hunt’s departure.
Hunt’s addition
Statistically, Hunt, who was injury-prone in the 2021 season, has been productive in his three-year career as one of the Browns’ offensive players. In total, he accumulated over 2,100 yards and 19 touchdowns.
“Bringing him in would solidify a backfield that has been without Miles Sanders for much of camp due to hamstring issues,” Salguero said.
Although, Salguero said that the Eagles are feeling “pretty good” about their running backs’ depth chart, which included Miles Sanders, Kenny Gainwell, and Boston Scott, could be an offensive threat against the NFL team.
With Hunt’s addition, Salguero said that the Eagles could probably utilize his ability as a “weapon”, combined with other running backs. Hunt, a one-time Pro Bowler, recorded a total of 3,557 rushing yards and tallied 44 touchdowns throughout his NFL career.
On other hand, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report said that it was Browns loaded at the running back position, where the rumor led to a trade proposal being sent to the Eagles. Ballentine said that Hunt’s trade possibility was “worth a call” on how would Eagle value him.
“Checking in with the Browns on a Kareem Hunt deal would be worth investigating. Hunt has been an ideal second running back for three years in Cleveland. He averaged 2.8 yards after contact last season. Only Rashaad Penny, Nick Chubb and Jonathan Taylor had a higher average,” Ballentine said.
“The Browns enjoyed some breakout performances from D’Ernest Johnson last season, giving them three backs they can count on. However, with Deshaun Watson in the fold, they may not be as run-heavy as they once were.”
On the other hand, The Athletic’s Zach Berman said that the Eagles are urged to recruit a tight end or running back to add more depth to the offensive roster, in case of injury, while safety is the biggest concern for the Eagles’ defense.
Moreover, Berman asserted that the addition of OLB Haason Reddick, CB James Bradberry, and DT Jordan Davis, would help Eagles’ defense for this season.