Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles should be on the 'Hunt' for a veteran RB

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated 10/25/22

There's always room for improvement, even for undefeated teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles. Just look at their running backs. Miles Sanders leads the group with 485 yards and four TDs, but there isn't much depth should Sanders miss time.

Enter Cleveland Browns RB Kareem Hunt.

Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott have played little and haven't done much with their few snaps, while Sanders is due to become a free agent in 2023 and hasn't played a full season since his rookie year in 2019. If he were to go down, QB Jalen Hurts would become the team's top rusher and only real running threat.

Philadelphia kicked the tires on a Christian McCaffrey trade last week, but the Eagles had to know a third- or fourth-round pick wouldn't do it. A fourth-round pick, however, should be enough to get Hunt, who is due to become a free agent next season. While he has had issues off the field, including domestic violence from his time with the Chiefs, he's shown in Cleveland that he still has the speed and versatility that made him a star in K.C.

Hunt asked for a trade in August and briefly sat out drills in camp. The Eagles and Browns were holding joint practices in Cleveland at the time, and some thought a Hunt trade to the Eagles was inevitable. It didn't happen, but a lot has changed since August.

Nick Sirianni introducing himself to Kareem Hunt#Eagles pic.twitter.com/4qrBYv6WUT
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 19, 2022

In Cleveland, Hunt (263 yards rushing) is a distant second to Nick Chubb, who leads all running backs in rushing yards (740). Hunt's latest numbers aren't great, especially when compared to his early years, but when held against Philadelphia's running backs, they're not terrible.

The Browns are 2-5. They've lost their past four games and aren't favored to win another until December, when they play the Texans. The Eagles are 6-0, but they could use a veteran running back to complement Sanders, especially in the passing game. Hunt has 191 career receptions, with an average of 8.8 yards per catch. Sanders has 11 catches for 42 yards this season, 3.8 yards per reception.

Philadelphia has championship aspirations and lots of draft capital. Cleveland has a franchise running back in Chubb and not much need for Hunt, especially if the Browns continue to lose. A loss to the Bengals on Monday night could provide the motivation needed to move on from him and gain valuable draft capital.

The trade deadline is Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. ET.

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