Browns reunite with Hunt on reported 1-year, $4M deal

The Cleveland Browns are signing running back Kareem Hunt, the team announced Wednesday.

Hunt's new pact with the team is a one-year deal worth up to $4 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"It's quite exciting I guess," Hunt said on returning to the Browns, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

"'Cause you know, I'm from Cleveland, born and raised like I always say, and I still want to bring a championship here and help contribute. That was my biggest goal for the past four years."

Hunt spent 2019-22 with the club, though he wasn't re-signed after his contract expired following the 2022 season. He rejoins the team after starting tailback Nick Chubb was lost for the year due to a knee injury.

Chubb took a direct hit to his left knee from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on Monday night and is scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery. The team placed Chubb on injured reserve Wednesday.

Hunt played a complementary role to Chubb during his time in Cleveland, appearing in 49 games with nine starts. The Toledo product ran for 1,874 yards, hauled in 132 receptions for 973 yards, and scored 23 combined touchdowns in that time.

The 28-year-old's 2022 production was the least efficient of his six-year career at 3.8 yards per carry and 6.0 yards per reception, both career lows. Despite the inefficiency of his touches, he still finished with 468 rushing yards, 210 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday that Jerome Ford would be the team's lead back as Cleveland looked to add another runner, per Cabot. The tandem of Ford and Hunt should handle the bulk of the running back snaps for the franchise, with Pierre Strong Jr. spelling them as needed.