The Cleveland Browns have signed former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt to join Nick Chubb in a loaded backfield.
The wait is over for Kareem Hunt. The troubled running back will officially re-start his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns after he signed with the team on Monday.
Hunt was released by the Kansas City Chiefs early in December when TMZ Sports obtained and released a video of the Pro Bowl running back’s involvement in an offseason assault. Hunt had previously claimed he was victim and police on the scene at the time back in February failed to file charges on anyone.
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When TMZ released the video in early December, the Chiefs were quick to release the running back saying that Hunt had continually lied to the team when questioned about the incident. Hunt himself backed up the team’s statement saying that he brought this on himself.
Since that time, Hunt was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List and was forced to sit out the final five regular season games in addition to two playoff contests for the Chiefs—a team that stopped just short of their first Super Bowl appearance in decades.
Hunt led the NFL in rushing yards in his rookie season—only the sixth rookie to do so in NFL history—with 1,327 yards. He was well on his way to another Pro Bowl when the Chiefs were forced to cut ties with him. Now he joins an already talented offense with Baker Mayfield in place at quarterback and last year’s second-round sensation Nick Chubb.
Browns general manager John Dorsey originally drafted Hunt out of the University of Toledo when he was the Chiefs GM during the 2017 NFL Draft. Hunt traded up in that round to grab Hunt in the third round, the same draft Dorsey also traded up to get NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. Dorsey spoke with confidence that Hunt can turn things around, and he said the Browns have an extensive plan in place to deal with Hunt should any further issues arise.
"Here at the Browns, there is a detailed plan with expectations laid out that he understands and must follow, because any similar incident will not be tolerated. We will support Kareem through this process and utilize our resources, however permitted, to help him become successful on and off the field as long as he continues to show the commitment necessary to represent this organization."
Hunt will remain on the Exempt List and the NFL has yet to announce any potential punishment for Mahomes. If Hunt is suspended for longer than five games, he will likely sit out any more contests to start the 2019 season.