It’s been a long, injury-filled and unpleasant series of years since Kareem Hunt was the NFL’s leading rusher and an All-Pro pick. That marked his first season, back in Kansas City, when things appeared positive for the third-round selection from Toledo. However, Hunt’s career took a negative turn with a suspension, a transfer to the Browns, an injury, and a failed trade request. He's not exactly a top-tier free agent, but he’s what’s left for the bargain-seeking Cowboys, at the bottom of the barrel.
Hunt has never matched his first year with the Chiefs, but he did have a solid career in Cleveland. Last year, he didn't secure a contract at the start of the year, but the Browns called him back onto the roster after Nick Chubb got hurt.
Hunt rushed for 411 yards on 135 carries, a lackluster 3.0 yards per carry. However, he did score a total of 11 touchdowns in Cleveland last year; nine on the ground during the regular season, one rushing TD in the playoff loss to Houston, and a receiving score in that game as well. Adding Hunt could aid the Cowboys, who struggled in short-yard situations last year.
Is Kareem Hunt an ‘Ideal Fit’?
Yardbarker suggests that Hunt could be a valuable addition to the Cowboys offense, and there is a rationale behind it. Reporter Aaron Becker notes, “Hunt seems like an ideal fit. The 28-year-old was a touchdown magnet in 2023, finding the endzone nine times in 15 games.
“The Browns are unlikely to bring him back after signing running backs D’Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines in free agency. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Hunt would help the Cowboys return to a physical run attack in his third stop since entering the league in 2017.”
However, Hunt's issues go beyond his yards-per-carry or his short-yardage efficiency. In his second season, back in 2018, Hunt was released abruptly by the Chiefs after a video emerged from the previous February, showing Hunt pushing a woman to the ground and kicking her.
The video depicted the woman assaulting Hunt first, so no criminal charges were brought against him. He was, however, suspended for eight games. While the Browns signed him, no other team has been willing to take him on. Hunt made a trade request in 2021, which was declined, and was unable to sign as a free agent at this time last year.
Mike McCarthy: Cowboys ‘Not Done’ With Adding RBs
But the Cowboys are somewhat desperate for running back depth at this point. Of the Top 150 free agents available, there are only three running backs still available—ex-Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott, former Chiefs back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and former Vikings Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook.
While the Cowboys are expected to add a running back in the upcoming NFL draft, it would also make sense to add a veteran to the mix. There are definitely options available.
Coach Mike McCarthy, speaking from the league meetings in Orlando, told reporters, ““We’re not done with that room.”
