The Cleveland Browns have signed running back Kareem Hunt, the team announced moments ago.
It’s obviously a controversial move. The signing was immediately followed by statements from general manager John Dorsey and Hunt himself.
In part, Dorsey said: “We fully understand and respect the complexity of questions and issues in signing a player with Kareem’s history and do not condone his actions.”
Statement from GM John Dorsey: pic.twitter.com/TUgoBalvkg
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) February 11, 2019
Hunt concluded his statement by saying: “I’m a work in progress as a person, but I’m committed to taking advantage of the support systems that I have in place to become the best and healthier version of myself.”
Statement from RB Kareem Hunt: pic.twitter.com/JPRFnkRdCy
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) February 11, 2019
Shorty after being placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list, the Kansas City Chiefs released Hunt after video surfaced of him shoving a woman in a hotel.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, it is a one-year deal that “could be worth more than $1M not factoring in the suspension.” He will be a restricted free agent after the season, meaning the Browns will retain his rights.
It’s a decision sure to receive criticism around the league. The Browns are banking on his talent to outweigh that issue along with, as hinted above, a potential – probable, really – league suspension. For now, he’ll pair with Nick Chubb, who broke out after the team traded Carlos Hyde to Jacksonville last season. Cleveland finished 14th in rushing yards last year.
For his career, Hunt has rushed for over 2100 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and 15 rushing touchdowns.
