Browns: Trading Kareem Hunt is an option, just not in 2021

The Browns have no interest in trading Kareem Hunt if someone comes calling.

With the Rams down Cam Akers, their lead running back, there has been talks of the Browns possibly parting ways with Kareem Hunt in a trade. These talks are mostly from the opinion and rumor mill, with the Browns themselves not interested in that discussion. According to Mary Kay Cabot, one Browns source has informed her that Hunt isn’t being considered for trades.

This is the right call, as we sit right now the Browns have no reason to move on from him and every reason to keep him. He’s on a good contract, has stayed out of trouble, for the most part, has shown to be good enough to sub in for Nick Chubb, and with Chubb needing to show he can stay healthy to warrant a massive contract, in the off chance he isn’t, Hunt can fill in.

Hunt isn’t going to be replacing Chubb at all, and in 2021, with the Browns well under the cap and no glaring needs not already addressed, the team has zero reasons to trade him.

That doesn’t mean the Browns won’t have reason to trade Kareem Hunt in 2022

Hunt has enjoyed his time with the Browns and is probably very happy here. He signed a two-year, $13+ million dollar deal before the start of the 2020 season, which expires after the 2022 season. This makes him a possible trade option for several reasons. Mostly his digestible contract. If a team needs a back and is willing to do it for a high pick or a player swap that helps the Browns, the team needs to do that.

Keeping an open mind to the potential needs of the roster is how you build a winner. You can’t just assume that things are going to be fine from year to year. Just because one unit is good this year, doesn’t mean they’ll be good next year. Football is a volatile game, and falling into the trap of “expectations” is the quickest way to end up with four wins. There is no way to know what 2022 brings as far as new challenges, roster needs, or even the direction of the team.

The Atlant Falcons were one quarter and massive lead away from being Super Bowl champions. Two years later they’re 7-9 and wondering why half of their young team is falling apart. The Eagles won a Super Bowl thanks to their “genius” head coach Doug Pederson. They would go 9-7 the next two years in a row, before going 4-12 in 2020, ending that run with Pederson getting fired. Not only fired, but many blame Pederson for ruining Carson Wentz.

That’s the kind of unpredictable madness that comes with football. The Browns may need to trade Hunt for one reason or another, and if that reason comes up the Browns better make the deal.

Thankfully though, no reasons exist in 2021, so there’s no reason to consider trading Hunt.