Posted on: September 21, 2023, 01:03h.
Last updated on: September 21, 2023, 01:03h.
Kareem Hunt Returns to Cleveland Browns with $4 Million Deal
Kareem Hunt, the top free agent running back, has returned to the Cleveland Browns in a one-year deal worth up to $4 million. Hunt’s signing comes as a replacement for the injured Nick Chubb, who suffered a knee injury during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Prior to joining the Browns, Hunt had meetings with the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts during the preseason. However, neither team signed him, leading to his availability at the season’s start. The Browns turned to Hunt due to his familiarity with their offense.
“You don’t replace Nick Chubb,” said Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. “Great players like Nick cannot be replaced by just one person. It will take a team effort to fill the void left by his absence.”
The Browns’ backup running back, Jerome Ford, stepped up in Chubb’s absence and performed well in the last game against the Steelers. Ford gained 131 yards from scrimmage and scored one receiving touchdown.
Hunt’s History with the Browns
Kareem Hunt previously played for the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the Browns. During his time with the Browns, he served as Chubb’s backup and formed a formidable rushing duo with him. Hunt has appeared in 49 games with the Browns, starting in nine of them. In his four seasons with the team, he has rushed for 1,874 yards, scored 16 touchdowns, and added 973 receiving yards with seven receiving touchdowns.
The Browns and Hunt were unable to agree on a contract extension last season, resulting in trade rumors. However, no suitable trade partner was found, and Hunt finished the 2022 season with the Browns. He became a free agent after the season concluded.
Betting on the Browns
The Browns are currently 1-1 and have a win total over/under of 9.5. The odds for the Browns exceeding 9.5 wins are -150, while the odds for them falling below 9.5 wins are +120 at DraftKings.
The Baltimore Ravens are the current favorites to win the AFC North division with a 2-0 record. The odds for the Ravens to win are +100, while the Browns are listed at +330. The Cincinnati Bengals, initially favored to win the division, have started the season with two losses and now have odds of +330. The Pittsburgh Steelers have odds of +550 to win the AFC North.
Despite the addition of Kareem Hunt, the Browns’ odds in the future market have not changed significantly. They are currently listed at +1200 to win the AFC Championship at DraftKings.
During the preseason, the Browns had odds of +3500 to win the Super Bowl. After their win against the Bengals in Week 1, their odds improved to +1800. However, with Chubb’s injury, their Super Bowl odds have fallen back to +2200.
DraftKings offers a prop bet on the Browns making the playoffs. The odds for them making the playoffs are -145, while the odds for them missing the postseason are +110.