PFF lists Eagles as a potential trade suitor for Cleveland RB Kareem Hunt
Howie Roseman and his Eagles can never seem to escape the trade rumor mill, even with training camp and the preseason well underway. This time, Pro Football Focus is the one stirring the pot.
In a recent article from the website, they outlined 10 potential trade candidates before Week 1 and listed a handful of teams that would be best suited for said candidates. Among them was Browns running back Kareem Hunt, who’s been vocal about his displeasure with his current situation in Cleveland. Just last week, the dual-threat back requested a trade from Cleveland, but the organization didn’t budge.
In PFF’s article, they named three potential trade partners for the Browns and Hunt. The Bills, Saints, and of course, the Eagles.
PFF on Hunt’s fit with the Eagles:
“The Philadelphia Eagles have 2019 second-round pick Miles Sanders entering a contract year, with third-down backs Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott in the mix as well, but Hunt could be the do-it-all back they haven’t had in some time. Philadelphia seems to prefer the committee approach and may not want to invest a lot in the running back position, but the fit does make sense from a football perspective.”
Hunt to the Eagles makes sense for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, Philly had the strongest rushing attack in football last season and ran the ball more than any other team in the league. Even with the addition of WR AJ Brown, the team still figures to utilize their elite running game whenever they can.
Adding Hunt to the mix would only bolster the team’s rushing attack. Plus, as PFF points out, his dual-threat ability out of the backfield is invaluable for any west coast offense.
Miles Sanders’ receiving production has fallen off a cliff since his rookie season and although Kenny Gainwell and Boston Scott are suitable receiving backs, they aren’t on the same level as Hunt.
His injury riddled 2021 season aside, Hunt averaged 38.5 receptions, 355.5 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns per season during the first four years of his career. For reference, Sanders averaged 27 receptions and 177.5 receiving yards over the past two seasons, and he hasn’t found the endzone on the receiving end since his rookie campaign.
The only cause for concern with bringing in Hunt is the contract situation. Both his and Sanders’ contracts are up at the end of the 2022 season and there’s a very slim chance Roseman will look to bring both of them back. Since both backs are under the age of 28 and haven’t received a big payday yet, they’ll both likely look to cash in next offseason.
On the other hand, if Howie wants to go all in this season, bringing in Hunt now and worrying about the contract later wouldn’t be a terrible approach. The GM has pulled off similar maneuvers before.
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Hunt’s potential trade value
PFF predicts that Hunt’s potential trade value would be nothing more than a 2024 fifth-round pick. That seems very low, but running backs are a dime a dozen nowadays, so it’s not completely out of the realm of possibilities.
The Eagles currently have eight selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, including an extra second-rounder from the Saints. Giving up a fifth-round pick two years from now for a back who could take the Eagles offense over the top? I don’t think anyone would that upset if that’s all it took to get Hunt in midnight green.
As it stands, it doesn’t seem like the Browns are ready to seriously consider moving Hunt. But with the amount of turmoil circling Cleveland’s franchise at the moment, removing any potential headaches might be the best path forward for the organization. Only time will tell.
Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze | USA Today Sports
