After an unexpected turn of events, Kareem Hunt has found himself back with the Cleveland Browns, granting him a second chance with the team following his departure that left both sides desiring a different outcome.
Hunt’s reunion with the Browns was met with a warm welcome from his fellow teammate, Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., who exclaimed, “Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back” as he joined Hunt during a Zoom call with the media.
Kareem Hunt: It was just meant for me to play with Browns again. https://t.co/sr6j7nqHAP
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 21, 2023
For Hunt, the return to the Browns and their facility holds great significance. “It feels great,” he expressed, reflecting on his comeback. “You know, (just) being back in the building that I’ve been at for the past four or five years and seeing all these faces and a motivated team.”
While Hunt never entirely shut the door on the possibility of returning to the Browns, he admitted he didn’t view it as a significant likelihood. However, circumstances aligned to facilitate his homecoming.
We've signed RB Kareem Hunt. Welcome Back!
📰» https://t.co/8L1kIFbLci pic.twitter.com/C1WbghgXWE
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 20, 2023
“I never fully closed the door or whatnot, but I didn’t think it was a big possibility,” Hunt explained. “So things work out in situations for a reason, so I guess it was just meant for me to come play for the hometown again.”
The agreement between Hunt and the Browns materialized in the form of a one-year, $4 million deal, marking his return to the team where he had spent the previous four seasons. This move strategically enhances the running back depth, adding a seasoned veteran to a relatively youthful running back group following Nick Chubb’s placement on injured reserve due to a season-ending knee injury.
Welcome Home Kareem Hunt #DawgPound. pic.twitter.com/WFae16wUUc
— Tyler Johnson (@T_johnson_TJ) September 20, 2023
Hunt’s journey back to the Browns included a brief holdout from team drills during the 2022 training camp as he sought a contract extension that never came to fruition. Additionally, there were speculations during free agency that the Browns had reservations about re-signing Hunt due to perceived diminishing speed.
However, Hunt maintains that there were no bridges burned between him and the team. “We get along,” he affirmed. “I have mad respect for everybody in this building, and it was never to that point. So it was good to see everybody, talk over expectations and things that I can help and just help this team win. I’m willing to come in and do whatever it takes just to help win. My biggest thing is help win the Super Bowl.”
The #Browns are signing their own former RB Kareem Hunt, agreeing to terms with him on a 1-year deal worth up to $4M. After a multi-stop journey, he lands back home. On a visit yesterday, he now can help the team deal with the loss of star Nick Chubb. pic.twitter.com/yxqv9VC8WD
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2023
Having emerged as the NFL rushing leader during his rookie season in 2017 with the Kansas City Chiefs, Hunt’s familiarity with the Browns’ organization and the proximity to his high school alma mater in Willoughby, Ohio, render this return bittersweet. Over his four-year stint with the Browns, he accumulated 1,874 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, primarily serving as a complement to Chubb.
The circumstances leading to his reunion with the Browns, notably Chubb’s recent injury, evoke mixed emotions for Hunt. “That one hurt,” he admitted, referencing Chubb’s injury. “Seeing that. I watched it live and I hate seeing that happen to one of my brothers and the guy that I care so much about and would go to war for any time of the day. It’s circumstances, I guess. God just had a plan to help guide me back here.”
