Kareem Hunt is sticking around Cleveland for the next several years.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Hunt and the Browns agreed to a two-year extension worth $13.25 million, per sources informed of the situation. The deal includes $8.5 million guaranteed. The Browns later confirmed Hunt signed an extension through 2022.
Hunt was set to enter 2020 playing on a one-year restricted free agent tender worth $3.259 million. Now the Ohio native is tied to Cleveland for the next three years.
A third-round pick by Kansas City in 2017, Hunt's career took off like a rocket ship. His rookie season, Hunt compiled 1,327 yards rushing with eight TDs on 272 carries, and added 53 receptions for 455 yards and three additional scores.
His stellar play continued into 2018 until he was unceremoniously released by the Chiefs midseason after video surfaced of him physically assaulting a woman.
Hunt signed in Cleveland in 2019 and was suspended for the first eight games of the season.
He returned last year, joining Nick Chubb to form a powerful one-two combo in the Browns' backfield. Hunt carried 43 times for 179 yards and two scores with 37 catches for 285 yards and another TD in eight games. Chubb, meanwhile, narrowly lost out on being the NFL's leading rusher.
“Kareem Hunt is a core component of our offense. He has been a great teammate, outstanding worker, and steadfast in his desire to have success in his hometown for the long term,” general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement. “Personal growth is often times non-linear but Kareem has remained committed to becoming the best version of himself and we are proud of the redemptive strides he has taken. He understands the opportunity he has in front of him -- provided he maintains his current personal trajectory -- and we look forward to the contributions he will continue to make to our team.”
The $6.625 million in per-year average on Hunt’s extension would look like a bargain if only on-field play were taken into consideration.
Hunt's new deal ensures that the dual-threat Chubb/Hunt combo will provide the motor behind Kevin Stefanski's offense for the next several seasons.