Getty Image / Justin K Aller
This NFL offseason has been tough for running backs.
Multiple stars at the position have reportedly been available for trade, but none of them have actually switched teams.
The only really big move at the position was D’Andre Swift being traded from the Detroit Lions to the Philadelphia Eagles and that trade only cost the Eagles a 4th rounder and a 7th round swap.
Veterans like Leonard Fournette and Ezekiel Elliott were released and have yet to find new teams.
Those aren’t the only veterans that have been free agents for longer than expected.
This offseason, Kareem Hunt’s contract with the Cleveland Browns expired and he still hasn’t found another team to play for.
Today, a Browns fans asked if there was any chance the team would be bringing Hunt back and an insider revealed that it isn’t in the cards.
Not in the cards. https://t.co/oPTLbdxLj8
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) May 20, 2023
Hunt had spent the last 4 years of his career in Cleveland.
During that time, he was utilized mostly as a complement to Nick Chubb, but he was sill a very useful part of their backfield.
His best season in Cleveland came back in 2020 when he ran for 841 yards and made 38 catches for 304 yards with 11 total touchdowns.
Since then he has slowed down a bit. Last season, he only ran for 468 yards, but still caught 35 passes.
Kareem Hunt will likely find somebody that will give him a chance as we progress through the preseason, but he is going to have to beat out some competition just to find a team to sign him.
Elliott and Fournette are still out there and so is Kenyan Drake.
His best-case scenario is likely for him to end up in the same role he had in Cleveland and become a 3rd-down back somewhere.
It’s just clear that won’t be happening with the Cleveland Browns.