Browns reportedly deny star player’s trade request

Feb 25, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Browns general manager Kevin Stefanski speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Combine in the Indianapolis Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Kareem Hunt has refused to take part in portions of training camp as he seeks a new contract, and he has reportedly asked the Cleveland Browns to trade him. It does not sound like that request will be granted, however.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported on Sunday that the Browns have told Hunt they are not going to trade him. Hunt has been a “hold-in” at training camp thus far, meaning he is only participating in individual drills.

The Browns reserve the right to fine Hunt for his refusal to take part in team drills. Cabot notes that the team does not plan to wave those fines.

Hunt is in the final season of his contract and wants a new deal. He signed a two-year extension in 2021 that is worth up to $13.25 million. There are incentives in the contract that are tied to him being on the active roster.

Though he is from Cleveland and has said he wants to remain with the Browns, Hunt likely wants to be paid like a starting running back. The Browns are currently paying Nick Chubb an average of $12 million per season, so it is unlikely that they want to tie up much more money at the position.

Hunt has been a very effective rusher with Cleveland and throughout his career. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry last season, though he appeared in just eight games because of injuries. He is 27, which is likely why he feels a sense of urgency to cash in with one more big contract. It remains to be seen how much money Hunt is willing to forfeit in the short-term in pursuit of a new deal.