Kareem Hunt, a running back with the Cleveland Browns, is staging a limited “hold-in” at training camp in an effort to negotiate a contract extension. As Hunt pursues a contract deal, he skipped team drills for a second straight day on Saturday, sources told CBS Sports HQ’s Josina Anderson. The veteran tailback’s absence from the team portion of practice is thought to be unrelated to his health.
Hunt is entering the final year of a two-year, $13.25 million agreement he signed in September 2020. Hunt signed a one-year deal with the Browns as a free agent in 2019. Later, Mark Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com stated that the hold-in was related to a report from minicamp in June, which claimed that Hunt had conveyed to team management his wish to remain long-term. A new arrangement has not gained any traction to this point.
“Right now I’m just taking it day by day, man,” Hunt said in June, per CBS. “I’m going to see what they want to do with me and I’m just taking it day by day. Hopefully I can be here long-term. We’ll see what God has in plan for me, that’s all I can say.”
According to Anderson, the 27-year-old repeatedly let the team know that he initially only intends to take part in solo drills. Hunt allegedly told his teammates that he would be open to a transfer or settlement. Anderson reports that Hunt now seems to favor staying in Cleveland and signing a new contract that increases his pay.
The 2017 Pro Bowler with the Chiefs, started his first two seasons as a starter in Kansas City and has since developed into one of the league’s most dependable backup running backs. Over the past three years, his status as star Nick Chubb’s backup, albeit a pretty valuable one, has cemented the Browns’ position as the league’s top RB combo. Hunt has 1,406 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns, 97 receptions for 763 yards, and six receiving touchdowns in 32 games for Cleveland.
