CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns are bringing back Kareem Hunt to help fill the void in their backfield in the wake of the season-ending injury that Nick Chubb suffered on Monday night.
Terms of his contract have not disclosed but sources on Wednesday indicated that Hunt signed a one-year deal worth up to $4 million. Chubb was placed on injured reserve in a corresponding move.
"I came ready to play and win. I'm just ready to go out there and showcase my talent," Hunt said Wednesday. "I know what I bring to the table. ... I'm willing to come in and do whatever it takes just to help win."
Hunt will team up with second year running back Jerome Ford, who began the season as Hunt's backup. Ford replaced Chubb and finished the game with 106 yards on 16 carries, a 6.6 yard average. He also had a 69-yard run and caught a 3-yard TD pass one play after Chubb’s injury. The Browns also have Pierre Strong Jr. at their disposal as well.
Hunt's familiarity with the Browns' offense played a key role in Cleveland targeting him, although Ford is expected to be the team's lead back going forward.
The Cleveland-native played in all 17 games in 2022, but wasn’t the same dynamic player. He finished with just 468 yards rushing and 210 receiving. But Hunt knows the Browns’ system, so he could quickly get up to speed.
Hunt and Cleveland parted ways on rocky terms this past offseason. The 28-year-old running back expressed unhappiness with his contract and asked for a trade during last season after the Browns declined to extend his contract. However, the team couldn't strike a deal before the trade deadline and Hunt finished the season with the team. Since March, Hunt made visits with multiple teams, including the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts, but still remained a free agent until this week.
Nick Chubb’s gruesome left knee injury will require surgery and the star running back will now have to go through another arduous rehabilitation in order to continue playing.
Chubb sustained the season-ending injury in Monday night’s loss against Pittsburgh. The injury occurred during the second quarter when Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick tackled him low on a carry and the impact buckled the same knee that Chubb injured in 2015 at Georgia and had reconstructed.
The Browns host Tennessee on Sunday.
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