BEREA, Ohio — In the aftermath of running back Nick Chubb's season-ending knee injury, the Cleveland Browns may be looking at a possible reunion to help fill the void.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that the Browns are visiting with free agent back Kareem Hunt, who played in Cleveland from 2019-2022.
The 28-year-old Willoughby native elected to test free agency following a disappointing 2022 season. In 17 games, Hunt averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, gaining 468 yards in 123 attempts. He also caught 35 passes for just 210 yards, scoring four total touchdowns.
Before the 2022 season began, Hunt asked to be traded when the team denied his request for an extension, but the team declined, and the 27-year-old subsequently returned to practice with head coach Kevin Stefanski saying there was "no distraction." He became a free agent and had visits with the Vikings, Saints, and Colts prior to the start of the 2023 regular season. Each time, he left with no contract.
The best season for Hunt in Cleveland was during the Browns' run to the playoffs in 2020. Working as the ultimate complement to Chubb, Hunt rushed for 841 yards and scored six touchdowns, while catching 38 passes for 304 yards and five more scores.
Hunt's journey back to his hometown was a rocky one: He led the league in rushing as a rookie with Kansas City in 2017, but was later released in the middle of the next season after video surfaced of him kicking and assaulting a woman at the Metropolitan at The 9 hotel in Downtown Cleveland. Following "extensive due diligence," the Browns decided to sign Hunt that winter, with the running back apologizing for his actions and eventually serving an eight-game suspension in 2019.
3News' Tyler Carey and Chris Beeble contributed to this story.