While some might suggest Kareem Hunt is slowing down, leading to less production than some would like, the 2017 Pro Bowl running back still has a lot to offer. Having spent the past four seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Hunt is just 27 years old and has much less wear and tear on his body than several other available free agent running backs.
Hunt may no longer come close to vying for the NFL rushing title, but he remains a very solid solution as a dual-threat option capable of spelling a starter on any down. With three seasons of over 1,000 yards from scrimmage on his resume, Hunt has proven to be effective and versatile for both the Kansas City Chiefs and, most recently, the Browns.
But now Hunt is a free agent, where he’s viewed as one of the best players left in NFL free agency. Now that the NFL draft is over, teams have a much better idea of their remaining needs, but which organizations are the best fits for the 5-foot-11, 216-pound back?
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Kareem Hunt stays in Ohio with Cincinnati Bengals
In case you weren’t aware, Kareem Hunt is a bit of an Ohio legend. Before he spent four seasons with the Cleveland Browns, he grew up in Willoughby, Ohio and later attended college at Toledo before becoming the 86th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, where he had to take his professional career to Missouri with the Chiefs.
But Hunt may be able to continue his career in the Buckey State with the Cincinnati Bengals. While Joe Mixon is currently entrenched as the starter, rumblings have suggested his long-term future, after this season, may not be secure.
- Kareem Hunt’s stats last season: 123 carries, 468 rushing yards, 3 TD, 35 catches, 210 receiving yards, 1 TD
Hunt would be a much more affordable solution, and he’d still be able to play all three downs. Or, the Bengals could view Hunt as the bridge starter heading into next year’s offseason while they bring in a more impactful playmaker in 2024 and beyond. For now, he’d be a great spell back behind Mixon, proving useful in passing situations.
Dallas Cowboys add dual-threat option to backfield
The Dallas Cowboys moved on from franchise fan favorite Ezekiel Elliott, and aside from spending a sixth-round draft pick on Deuce Vaughn, who’s set to become the shortest player in the NFL, they have yet to address the position. We know Tony Pollard is set to take over as the starter, but he’s never handled such a large role before.
Could Hunt be the stopgap between Pollard getting a breather while Vaughn adjusts to the speed of the NFL? We’ve heard worse ideas, and Hunt would provide the Cowboys with an experienced option who should have no trouble quickly learning the scheme while helping coach up Pollard and Vaughn.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers raise floor of ground attack
After finishing dead last in nearly every rushing category imaginable, it’s hard to believe the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did enough to address their concerns this offseason. Reinforcements were brought in for the offensive line, but aside from improving the trenches and swapping out offensive coordinators, the running back depth chart has actually gotten worse.
Second-year-pro Rachaad White seems primed to take over the starting role for good with Leonard Fournette out of the way, but what if the 2022 third-round pick has a sophomore slump? Or worse, battles injury? The Bucs don’t want to count on a trio of Chase Edmonds, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, and Patrick Laird to help them down the stretch, but Kareem Hunt? That sounds much better, and they’re already reportedly considering adding a veteran tailback anyway, why not Hunt?
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