Kareem Hunt’s Top Free-Agent Landing Spots After Dalvin Cook’s Cowboys Contract

Kareem Hunt’s Top Free-Agent Landing Spots After Dalvin Cook’s Cowboys Contract0 of 3

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A big-name veteran free-agent running back is off the market after Dalvin Cook agreed to join the Dallas Cowboys’ backfield.

That arguably leaves Kareem Hunt as the most notable name left out there. He has played seven NFL seasons and amassed 495 total yards and nine touchdowns for the Browns in 2023.

The 29-year-old served as the backup for Jerome Ford, who took over for star running back Nick Chubb after he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2.

It was a tough year efficiency-wise for Hunt, who ran for just 3.0 yards per carry and only had 84 receiving yards on 15 catches.

However, he also played hurt last year, being listed with a groin issue during the season but gutting through it. In late January, he underwent successful sports hernia surgery to repair a ruptured adductor, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

But the 2017 Pro Bowler can still get a look from teams, especially if they find themselves in need of reinforcements at the position.

It’s perhaps unlikely that Hunt lands a job with a team before the regular season begins, especially with teams getting close to finalizing their 53-man rosters after cutdown day. But he can be ready and available if called upon.

If so, here are three teams who may take a look.

Cleveland Browns1 of 3

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Hunt just played five seasons for the Browns, who picked him back up last year on a one-year deal following’s Chubb’s injury.

Obviously, the current front office and coaching staff likes Hunt considering his stretch there. And given that Chubb is starting the season on injured reserve as he works his way back to the field, perhaps the Toledo product could be an option sometime this year.

Colin Miller of Athlon Sports broached the topic.

“Hunt, who spent the last five seasons with Cleveland, knows the system well and has been a great scoring option for the team as he rushed for nine touchdowns last season, a career-high. He’s currently a free agent, so the Browns could bring him back on a cheap deal, or even wait until after roster cuts and simply sign him to their practice squad.”

Cleveland is banged up at the position, with Nyheim Hines also on the reserve/non-football injury list with a torn ACL.

As for his time in Cleveland, Hunt loved it, as he told reporters in June.

“It was great. It’s my hometown,” he said. “There’s nothing more I wanted to do than help win a championship here in Cleveland. I wish them all the best. That was a fun ride. Playing five years for the Cleveland Browns was a dream come true.”

However, he also said this about a return:

“I wouldn’t say (the door) is closed, but I’m not really sure. We’ll have to see about it. I’m just looking for a good fit, somewhere I could definitely get playing time and be on a team that’s contending.”

Perhaps that’s in Cleveland, but Hunt could well find other opportunities.

Indianapolis Colts2 of 3

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The Indianapolis Colts brought Hunt in for a visit last August, and an offer was made, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. However, he left town without a deal in place.

Hunt visited the team while the Colts and RB1 Jonathan Taylor were embroiled in a chaotic offseason that included excused absences, injury rehab and a trade request.

Eventually, Taylor signed a three-year, $42 million contract to remain with the team.

Taylor goes into this year as the team’s top running back, and he’s backed up by Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson. But if there was interest and an offer a year ago, perhaps the Colts would be willing to revisit Hunt as an option if they need help at the position.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski sang his praises following the season:

“Well, I’ll say this about Kareem. I’m so appreciative of him and the way he played and the style with which he played. Obviously, pre-injury to Nick [Chubb], we didn’t have a spot, but to Kareem’s credit, he stayed in great shape. We brought him in, worked him out. He looked great, picked back up the system right away and played really good football for us and made plays in high-leverage moments and scored touchdowns. He provided huge value for us and he’s a battler. Love the way he runs. The style with which he runs gave us a huge jolt that we needed.”

Granted, Hunt is coming off a difficult year on the ground, but he’s also healthy again after undergoing surgery in January to repair a consistent health problem. So, perhaps he gets a chance to prove himself.

New Orleans Saints3 of 3

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The New Orleans Saints were on the doorstep of signing Kareem Hunt last August, when the team was about to go into the season without RB1 Alvin Kamara for three games due to a suspension.

But the Colts, who ultimately didn’t sign Hunt, apparently offered a sweeter deal at the time.

Ian Rapoport @RapSheetSource: FA Kareem Hunt had a great visit with the #Saints and is now on his way to Indianapolis to meet with the #Colts tomorrow.

Dianna Russini @DMRussiniHow about this twist?

RB Kareem Hunt was called by Indy before he even stepped foot on the field to work out for the Saints and was offered more money, per source.

He was advised to leave and head to Indy with the Colts for a visit. https://t.co/J5Bx8KMmsU

Kamara is good to go for Week 1, and he’s flanked by backup Jamaal Williams. As of now, Jordan Mims is on the roster as the third running back with Kendre Miller starting the year on injured reserve.

The same regime (general manager Mickey Loomis, head coach Dennis Allen) that was in place in 2023 is back for New Orleans in 2024. Like the Colts, if there was interest in Hunt a year ago, maybe there’s still something left over this season.

Of course, the depth chart is filled out, even with Miller on IR, so there would have to be an opening in place. But if Hunt is healthy, he can certainly be an asset.