Report: Browns' Hunt skipping team drills, seeks contract extension
Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt is staging a partial "hold-in" at training camp as he seeks a contract extension.
Hunt skipped team drills for a second consecutive day Saturday as he pursues a contract extension, sources told CBS Sports HQ's Josina Anderson. It's believed that the veteran tailback's absence from the team portion of practice isn't health-related.
The 27-year-old informed the club multiple times that he currently plans to only participate in individual drills, according to Anderson.
Hunt also apparently told team members he would like to either get paid or welcome a trade. However, it now appears Hunt would prefer to remain in Cleveland with a new deal that improves his compensation, Anderson reports.
"Hopefully, I can be here long-term," Hunt said in June. "We'll see what God has in plan for me, that’s all I can say."
Hunt signed a two-year, $12-million contract extension that included $5.5 million in guarantees with the Browns in 2020, according to Over the Cap. He is entering the final year of his current deal, which is worth up to $6.2 million in 2022.
The former Pro Bowl halfback began his career with Kansas City Chiefs, who drafted him in the third round in 2017. The Browns signed Hunt as a free agent after the Chiefs cut him in 2018.
The Willoughby, Ohio, native accounted for 560 scrimmage yards (386 rushing, 174 receiving) and five total touchdowns in eight games last season.