Browns running back Kareem Hunt has reportedly signed a 2 year extension worth $13.25 million that comes with $8.5 million in guaranteed money. The new deal will keep the 25 year old wearing orange and brown for the next 3 seasons.
The move marks another chapter in an interesting story that Hunt continues to write. The Browns, and John Dorsey in particular, took a chance on the 25 year old when his stock was at the lowest point. His time in Cleveland is spottier than a dalmatian, but Andrew Berry clearly feels confident this move is the right one. Is it though?
I think we have to look at the risk vs. reward here. In giving out the deal, the Browns are wondering if they can light just over $8 million dollars on fire, set it up in flames like Hunt’s career would be, if he has another transgression. $8.5 million. It’s a ton of money to us, but to an NFL team, the Nick Chubb insurance from a player that has led the league in rushing yards before is well worth it.
Let’s be clear, I’ve excoriated Hunt in the past as most have for some of his actions. I’ll continue to do so if he steers in the wrong direction again, but this is a logical football move at its core. Cheap cost, with low risk and extreme high upside is a GM’s trifecta.
For Hunt the move is simple. In the movie Rounders there’s a line where Grama tells Worm “you’re a real sweet deal, 30 cents on the dollar, there is not much faith in you in the business community” well, there’s not much faith in the football community in Hunt right now. This move gives him security financially for his family and keeps him home where in theory it would be harder for him to get in trouble.
Top running backs are being paid handsomely. Joe Mixon’s recent deal gave the Bengals back $12 million a year. Christian McCaffrey tops the market at $16 million. This is a fraction of that, but with good reason.
If Hunt had a big year while continuing to be a boy scout in his free time, this move could have cost the Browns a lot more down the road. Either the NFL would have seen the risk as worth it to sign the former troubled running back or the Browns themselves would have had to be aggressive to keep him off of the market.
Forward thinking is where the devil lies in the details of this new contract. Props to Andrew Berry for understanding when the right time to strike is and for making this move. Hopefully Kareem Hunt shows that the low risk gamble was worth picking up the dice.
Hunt, who was born in Elyria and starred at Willoughby South High School, was set to play on the last year of his contract in 2020 but now has the long-term security he and his hometown team have been collectively seeking.
“Cleveland has always been home to me, and putting on the Orange & Brown has been THE dream growing up. Being able to make it official, and play my heart out for the city I love for the next few years is a blessing.
“Today, I’m honored to sign this extension with the Cleveland Browns, and play next to my Dawg brothers for years to come. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Haslam, Andrew Berry, Coach Stefanski and the entire Browns’ organization for continuing to believe in me through the process, and as an integral part in the offensive scheme.
“To everyone who has also supported me – my family, mentors, friends, and off-the-field team – thank you for continuing to be my “why.” All and continued thanks to God the Good Lord for the guidance, strength, blessings and opportunity to be in this position.
“And, of course, a BIG thank you to the entire DAWG POUND for welcoming me back home. I promise to continue to push and work hard to bring a championship here for you all, representing the best team in the NFL, and make a lasting impact in the community and on the field.”
“Kareem Hunt is a core component of our offense. He has been a great teammate, outstanding worker, and steadfast in his desire to have success in his hometown for the long term,” said EVP of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry. “Personal growth is often times non-linear but Kareem has remained committed to becoming the best version of himself and we are proud of the redemptive strides he has taken. He understands the opportunity he has in front of him—provided he maintains his current personal trajectory—and we look forward to the contributions he will continue to make to our team.”
