Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt has been seeking a contract extension, and since he hasn't seen his request met just yet, it appears he's now attempting to put pressure on the franchise. Hunt had been sitting out team drills, but did participate on Sunday.
CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones confirmed that the Browns do not currently have any interest in trading Hunt, after Cleveland.com reported that the running back asked for a trade.
Kareem Hunt is using what leverage he has to get the money he feels he deserves. At RB, that career lifespan is short. However, the Browns do not currently have interest in trading him and likely won’t unless there’s a team in need of an RB1 this preseason.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) August 7, 2022
This news comes after CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina Anderson reported on Saturday that Hunt did not participate in team drills for the second consecutive practice. Hunt had informed the team that this was his plan moving forward, prior to participating on Sunday. Anderson reports that Hunt's "hold-in" is not believed to be health related, and that he is subject to fines from the Browns. Hunt also reportedly has informally told members of the Browns that he wants to get paid or traded, but one source told Anderson that Hunt would prefer to stay in Cleveland.
"Right now I'm just taking it day by day, man," Hunt said at minicamp in June. "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 longterm. We'll see what God has in plan for me, that's all I can say."
Hunt has one more year remaining on the two-year extension he signed in 2020 that pays him $1.35 million in base salary, and $6.25 million in yearly cash, per Spotrac.
The former Pro Bowler and 2017 NFL rushing yards leader played in just eight games for Cleveland last year due to a calf injury. Hunt's best campaign with Cleveland came in 2020, as he racked up 1,145 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns. The Browns would like to retain the dynamic duo they have at running back with Hunt and Nick Chubb, but it remains to be seen if they will extend
