6 Browns’ players who will likely be cap casualties in 2023
By Chad Porto
Kareem Hunt
Like with Jack Conklin, this is less of a “cut or trade” situation, as Kareem Hunt is also a free agent. He’ll be 28 and seeing as through three years with the Browns, he’s little been more than a backup, the odds of paying him another $6 million for 50 yards per game just doesn’t seem like a prudent decision.
Not to mention, the injuries are starting to play a factor. He missed nine games in 2022 and as running backs age, they generally miss more and more time. That’s why many believe that 30 is the age most running backs hit the wall, and while not everyone is the same, there is some truth to that expectation.
We’ve already seen D’Ernest Johnson put together a season that is on par with what we can expect out of Hunt and we keep waiting for this “duel-threat” player to step up. Yet, he’s only averaging 20 yards per game receiving the ball. Those are numbers Nick Chubb can put up if given a shot.
Hunt is all potential and expectation but so far he hasn’t lived up to the hype of being one of the best running backs in the league. He hasn’t been bad, but as mentioned, Johnson was more efficient and effective than Hunt in 2021 and did so making $5 million less.
They might be a wash with regards to talent, but this isn’t about who is more popular or who’s slightly more talented than the other. They’re very equal talent-wise but one is far less expensive. That’s all you need to decide to move on from him.