Browns sign Kareem Hunt
The Cleveland Browns have signed running back Kareem Hunt, the team announced Monday.
Hunt was released by the Kansas City Chiefs in December after a video surfaced showing him pushing and kicking a woman in a Cleveland hotel in February. He was placed on the commissioner's exempt list soon after.
The 23-year-old received a one-year contract that could be worth more than $1 million, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Hunt will be a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2019 season.
In addition to the February incident, the NFL is looking into two other off-field altercations involving Hunt; he's alleged to have punched a man at an Ohio resort last June and been involved in a beating at a Kansas City nightclub that left the victim unconscious.
Browns general manager John Dorsey told reporters he believes the league could finish its investigation and decide on Hunt's punishment within the next couple of weeks, according to Dani Welniak of KCTV.
Dorsey selected Hunt in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft while with the Chiefs. The GM released a statement explaining his decision to sign the player.
Statement from GM John Dorsey: pic.twitter.com/TUgoBalvkg
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) February 11, 2019
Hunt also released a statement, apologizing for the incident and thanking the team for the opportunity.
Statement from RB Kareem Hunt: pic.twitter.com/JPRFnkRdCy
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) February 11, 2019
Hunt rushed for 2,151 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 79 catches for 833 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns in two seasons with Kansas City.
The Browns already feature running backs Nick Chubb and Duke Johnson. Chubb, a 2018 second-round pick, rushed for 996 yards and scored 10 total touchdowns as a rookie this past season.