Is Kareem Hunt A Free Agent in 2023? Which Team Will Sign Hunt In The Offseason?

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt has formed one of the best one-two punches with Nick Chubb over the four seasons, but his time with his hometown team could be coming to an end for the 2023 season.

Hunt saw his efficiency decline with Jacoby Brissett and Deshaun Watson under center, so Cleveland could look to replace their satellite back with a different complement to Chubb.

Is Hunt a free agent this offseason and which teams could be interested in signing the 27-year-old ball carrier and pass-catcher? Let's dive in.

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Is Kareem Hunt A Free Agent in 2023?

Hunt signed a two-year $12 million extension after the 2020 season, so he's scheduled to hit the open market this offseason if the Browns decide not to bring him back. With Deshaun Watson, Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, Amari Cooper, and Jack Conklin all making between $15 million and $46 million annually, they could look to move on from Hunt this offseason. Last offseason, Hunt requested a trade and was rumored to be shopped during the trade deadline, so it makes sense for both parties to move on.

In 17 games, Hunt rushed 123 times for 468 yards and three rushing touchdowns, adding 35 receptions for 210 yards and one receiving touchdown. His 3.8 yards per carry and 6.0 yards per reception both marked a career-low, so there's plenty of reason to believe he has passed his prime since he's over the age apex.

The Browns have D'Ernest Johnson and Jerome Ford on the roster, so both could be candidates to be the RB2 next season.

Which Team Will Sign Hunt In The Offseason?

Hunt will have plenty of competition on the free agent running back market, as the class is headlined by Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Miles Sanders, Tony Pollard, and David Montgomery. Some of those players will probably be franchise tagged or brought back, but it'll be interesting to see who hits the open market.

A reunion with Kansas City could make some sense if they move on from Jerick McKinnon, but since Hunt was previously released due to an off-the-field incident, that might not be plausible. Otherwise, Hunt could join a team who loses its starting running back in free agency or a team who is looking to beef up its backfield committee.

Ultimately, the possibilities are endless since most teams have gone away from a workhorse back and opted to operate with split backfields.

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