Cleveland Browns: 5 questions surrounding key players

Will Kareem Hunt even find the field in 2020?

While this title may seem a bit more harsh than intended, this isn’t intended to be a dig at his personal issues. More so a point of emphasis at how deep the offensive is. Sure, Kareem Hunt will actually be on the field, in 2020, but in what role? Will he be just a third-down back? Maybe he’ll only be in on blocking plays. He might be used as a decoy.

Hunt, unfortunately, finds himself behind arguably the third or fourth-best running back in the league. He’s also on a team with three Pro Bowl offensive targets that will need catches to keep them happy, all while playing with a quarterback who’s hungry to prove his critics wrong. On top of making sure Nick Chubb gets his carries, Hunt’s production and opportunities will not be nearly as bountiful in 2020 as they were in 2019.

Part of the success that Hunt saw in 2019 came as a receiver out of the backend. The team didn’t have a tight end worth their salt in 2019, which means Hunt became the check down target of sorts for Mayfield. That won’t be the case in 2020, as Mayfield will have Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant in 2020. So the need to look to the backfield for a quick pass won’t be as prevalent.

So Hunt won’t have the same receiving opportunities. As far as running the ball goes, the team will do just that and in excess. Yet, Chubb will get most of the handoffs. So what can Hunt really expect to do in his new role on the team?