According to reports out of Cleveland, running back Kareem Hunt has requested a trade. However, the same reports indicate that the Browns have declined the request, telling Hunt that his best move would be to perform well in Cleveland this season and “earn his next contract.”
Hunt signed a two-year deal with the Browns at the start of the 2020 season, and is in the final year of that deal. Under the contract, he is set to earn a base salary of $1.35 million this year, with a roster bonus of $4.9 million as well. As he is looking for a new contract, Hunt was one of the players this off-season who reported to camp but decided to “hold-in,” forgoing practices with the team as he looks to negotiate a new contract.
According to reports out of training camp, the Browns are set to start fining Hunt for not participating in team drills:
Hunt told cleveland.com that he wanted to get paid and win a Super Bowl for his hometown team, but didn’t know what the Browns were thinking.
What the Browns were thinking was to let Hunt play out the season, try to stay healthy, help the Browns go to the Super Bowl, and revisit the contract in the offseason.
But that didn’t fly, and now Hunt is participating only in individual drills in camp in hopes of getting paid. The problem is, he’s actually losing money because the Browns will fine him for skipping team drills while also undoubtedly not caving to his contract demands or possible trade request.
Last season, Hunt missed seven games with calf and ankle injuries, and two games with COVID-19. In eight contests, he ran for 386 yards and five touchdowns. During the 2020 season, Hunt had 198 carries for 841 yards and six touchdowns, and added 38 receptions for 304 yards and five more scores.
