Browns’ Hunt healthy and looking for new deal to remain at home
The way the Cleveland Browns’ 2021 season unfolded on the field was frustrating enough for Kareem Hunt. The fact he spent more than half of it watching instead of playing just added to the frustration.
“You know, it’s tough because I’m not used to sitting at home and watching some games on the couch and stuff like that,” Hunt said. “So it was kind of a weird thing. I don’t like that feeling not being able to go out there and help the team so it was very tough.”
Hunt initially missed five games with a calf injury sustained Oct. 17. He played in two games upon returning Nov. 28 before an ankle injury Dec. 12 — plus a 10-day stint on the COVID-19 list — put him on the shelf for the final four games.
The Browns went 4-5 in the nine games Hunt missed on their way to an 8-9 final record. In eight games last year, Hunt carried 78 times for 386 yards (4.9 average) and five touchdowns to go along with 22 catches for 174 yards.
Hunt admitted Wednesday he could’ve played in the final two games of the season — at Pittsburgh and against
Cincinnati — had the Browns’ had a stronger playoff chance. He had actually practiced the week of the Steelers game, but was inactive for the game.
“I would have went out there and gave it everything I could,” Hunt said. “Definitely, if that chance was still on the line.”
Hunt is part of one of the more crowded position on the team this year. The Browns’ running back group includes not just Nick Chubb and D’ernest Johnson, but also the versatile Demetric Felton and rookie Jerome Ford.
For Hunt, though, it’s all about just being healthy.
“I’m good, I’m 100%,” Hunt said. “I have some time to heal this offseason and get back to it. So body is feeling good, nothing’s bothering me.”
The only thing that may be a mild annoyance for Hunt, if at all, is the potential for a new contract with the Browns. He’s in the final year of the two-year, $13.25 million extension.
“I hope I get paid,” Hunt said with a laugh. “So you know, whatever they decide, they know I’m going to come out there and give it my all and I’ll do whatever I can to help the team win.”