NFL Rumors: Browns Could Deal Star Running Back

The Cleveland Browns sport one of the league's best run games, but they may be on the precipice of dealing away one of its key pieces. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the team is willing to grant running back Kareem Hunt's request for a trade.

Browns are willing to grant Kareem Hunt’s trade request:https://t.co/VtyLeyu13o
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 30, 2022

Hunt has been the subject of trade rumors for years due in part to the ascension of star back Nick Chubb. In the final season of a two-year, $12 million deal, Hunt has long been considered a luxury a middling team like the Browns can't afford, particularly since the Browns extended Chubb in August of 2021.

Hunt had an incredible start to his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, leading the league in rushing as a rookie and totalling 2984 yards from scrimmage and 25 touchdowns in the first 27 appearances. A video showing Hunt pushing and kicking a woman derailed his career with the Chiefs, and he latched on with the Browns after his release.

Should any team acquire Hunt, they'll gain a former Pro Bowler who has benefitted from limited workloads over the past four seasons. Still only 27 years old, Hunt remains effective as both a runner and a receiver: he has averaged 4.3 yards per carry and 6.0 yards per target. The Browns would likely happily settle for a mid-round pick in exchange for him.