Should the Cleveland Browns look beyond the club to replace Kareem Hunt?

The Cleveland Browns will more than likely need to replace Kareem Hunt but how?

The Cleveland Browns are entering 2023 with some lofty expectations on the field and some daunting obstacles off the field. The team could very easily replace a good portion of their 2022 roster either due to poor play, expiring contracts, or the need to cut payroll. One of the guys who somehow fits all three of those qualifications is Kareem Hunt.

Hunt, despite what many want to say, never became the runner in Cleveland he was in Kansas City and was often a severe downgrade from Nick Chubb. Fans often lamented Kevin Stefanski when Hunt was used and Chubb was left on the side line, mostly due to the severe difference in efficiency between the two.

His declining play is the obvious reason he’s gonna be gone in 2023 but his expiring contract, and the ballooning payroll will make sure that Hunt isn’t coming back at all. While the Browns are going to be passing more and are looking at expanding their passing targets, the team will still need to replace Hunt as the number two runner.

Even if the new number two runner doesn’t get the same volume of carries, and to replace the Browns can’t afford to go outside of the club.

The Cleveland Browns need to stay within house to replace Kareem Hunt

Our sister site Dawg Pound Daily posted an interesting article where they name the three names that should replace Hunt, and the obvious name is of course Jerome Ford, the 2022 5th Round Draft pick. Ford, who was seen by some as an unneeded pick in 2022, won’t have much leeway to prove his worth, because a down year will see a whole new front office come in, and that means that previous unproven draft picks will likely be cut if they don’t produce.

Ford is the obvious name, but Dawg Pound Daily listed Jerick McKinnon, the Chiefs current running back, as the top guy to replace Hunt. Let me be blunt, if the best person to replace Hunt is a 30-year-old journeymen runner, then it’s time to cut every running back on the team not named Chubb. If Ford can’t claim the job this offseason, there’s no reason for a third year with him.

Ford is the guy, as frankly, the team can’t afford to pay for a veteran to come in. So I don’t think McKinnon is likely or even an improvement over who the Browns currently have.