The running back position doesn’t have a ton of superstars available on the free agent market, but there’s a few names of interest … including Kareem Hunt. A one-time fantasy superstar, he floundered behind Nick Chubb in Cleveland last season, averaging fewer than eight fantasy points per game. It’s the first time he’s averaged fewer than 12.7 points per game in a season during his career.
Hunt, who is entering his age-28 season, needs to leave the Browns as a free agent – and get out of Chubb’s statistical shadow – if he’s to increase his fantasy value. If that happens, here are five teams with a need at running back that would be good spots for Hunt to land next season. Let’s start off with the NFC champions.
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Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles could decide to let Miles Sanders, who is coming off a career season, walk as a free agent. That would leave them with a void in their backfield that could be filled by Hunt. He could be a much cheaper option than Sanders for a team that is slightly over the salary cap at this point in time. The veteran would likely end up in a committee, but Hunt would certainly be on the flex radar in the Eagles offense.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers could be in the market for a running back, as veteran D’Onta Foreman is slated to become a free agent. Hunt could be signed at a good price and form a backfield committee with Chuba Hubbard in an offensive attack that could use more playmakers. Carolina will want to run the football under new coach Frank Reich, and Hunt would be the lead back and a potential No. 2 fantasy runner or flex option.
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Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins could have a gaping hole in the backfield, as Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Salvon Ahmed (RFA) and Myles Gaskin are all slated to be free agents. If the team decides to go the free agent route, Hunt could be an option. Miami could pair him with Mostert or Wilson if either is retained, but Hunt would project as the team’s new early-down and goal-line option in Mike McDaniel’s offense.
Buffalo Bills
Devin Singletary is slated to become a free agent, and James Cook isn’t built to be a true featured back. So, what if the Bills decided to go with Hunt to be the lead runner in a committee? He would lose red-zone chances to quarterback Josh Allen, but he would also be in a balanced offense in which defenses can’t key on the run. Hunt would remain in the flex starter conversation as a member of the Bills.
Denver Broncos
There have been reports that Javonte Williams (knee) could miss the start of next season, leaving the Broncos with a potential hole in their backfield. Hunt could be signed and become the lead back until Williams returns, after which time he would be in a committee under new coach Sean Payton. It’s not a bad option for either side, and Hunt could hold RB2 value while Williams is on the road to recovery.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on Sports Illustrated and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame. Click here to read all his articles here on SI Fantasy. You can follow Michael on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for your late-breaking fantasy news and the best analysis in the business to help you win a fantasy championship!
