(Berea) Running back Kareem Hunt hasn’t participated in team drills at Cleveland Browns practices for the past two days, going on strike in hopes of securing a long-term contract extension .
Posted at 10:41 a.m.
Hunt is preparing to serve out the final year of a two-year contract worth a total of US$12 million. The 27-year-old Hunt was productive in his three seasons with the Browns, but missed nine games last season with ankle and calf injuries.
This situation becomes another distraction for the Browns, who are still awaiting a final decision on the suspension of quarterback Deshaun Watson for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was expected to address Hunt’s situation before practice on Sunday.
There’s no doubt the Browns value Hunt — who led the league in rushing earnings as a rookie with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017. However, injuries in 2021 cast doubt on his long-term future and the team also relies on depth at the running back position.
The Browns signed Hunt as a free agent in 2019. He was suspended for eight games for a violent incident with a woman while playing for the Chiefs.
In 2020, Hunt had 841 yards rushing and 304 through the air. He led the team with 11 touchdowns and was the perfect complement to star running back Nick Chubb.
Hunt’s future with the Browns has been in question as they still rely on Chubb, who had 1,259 rushing yards in 2021, in addition to D’Ernest Jackson. The latter had 534 yards on the ground in relief to Hunt last season.
The Browns also selected Jerome Ford in the fifth round of the last draft.