While the drama surrounding QB Deshaun Watson continues to have no resolution, the Cleveland Browns must deal with another piece of drama. RB Kareem Hunt has begun to sit out team parts of practice after over a week of training camp. Initially, Hunt was asking for a new contract or to be traded.
We covered all the details in a piece earlier this morning as neither of Hunt’s requests seemed likely to be met. Hunt has too much value to the team for 2022 but the team’s commitment to Nick Chubb and others makes an extension unlikely. His value to the team, and likely lower value in a trade, make a trade unlikely.
Now comes a report from Mary Kay Cabot that Hunt has officially requested a trade:
Kareem Hunt has asked the Browns to trade him, and they’ve told him no, a league source tells cleveland.com.
That the team has denied his trade request signals their unwillingness to move their backup running back. If they had granted his agents the ability to seek a trade, the Browns may have found a trade of their liking. While it is possible this is a leverage move, Cleveland seems intent on keeping Hunt through his contract.
An extension still seems unlikely as well.
After a variety of contracts were signed this offseason, Hunt’s $6 million average per year puts him as the 15th highest among running backs. While his contract does not include any additional years, he is well compensated for his role on the team.
While Hunt and his agents may believe he is worth more on the open market, the Browns have denied him that opportunity. With Chubb, D’Ernest Johnson, Jerome Ford and Demetric Felton, Hunt may not be more valuable than his current contract to the team.
Another drama could unfold in Cleveland now that Hunt has requested out and the team has denied that request.