Kareem Hunt is an attractive, if questionable fantasy football add after Nick Chubb injury

Kareem Hunt hasn't played like a star in three years. Why would he start again now?

The picture photo above is not a doctored image.

It is from late 2022 when Kareem Hunt received handoffs from Deshaun Watson, who once faced more than 20 allegations of sexual misconduct in what the NFL would later describe as “predatory behavior.” It is not, however, a photo from when Hunt was last effective as a full-time-adjacent tailback. It has been a long time since that was the case, since at least the 2020 season.

That’s precisely what makes the Cleveland Browns’ latest move to resign Hunt so curious. In the wake of Nick Chubb’s injury, Cleveland needed a new backfield answer and fast. The Browns utilize a ground-based offense that prefers to let its running backs churn yards behind one of the league’s more dominant offensive lives. They are hoping Hunt — who they notably decided not to resign in the offseason — will be that player.

If you’re personally hoping Hunt is that player in a fantasy football context: I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Reunion: The #Browns and veteran RB Kareem Hunt have agreed to terms on a one-year deal, per source.

Hunt scored 23 TDs over the past four seasons in Cleveland. Now he’s back — and figures to have a lot of opportunities after Nick Chubb’s season-ending injury. pic.twitter.com/6TlDbaPLYj

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 20, 2023

Hunt is the rare six-year veteran who only has just about 1,100 career touches. Theoretically, his legs should be fresh and raring to go after spending the last four years backing Chubb up. But there’s a reason the Browns didn’t initially bring Hunt back. Even with limited carries, the runner only averaged 3.8 yards per attempt last year. And he was not injured or going through any personal crisis (to my knowledge). Put another way: He just wasn’t good enough for a scheme based entirely around regular explosive plays in the running game. He was not the easy offense Cleveland needed. Plus, Hunt’s drop-off was seemingly so random it created justifiable concerns about whether the 28-year-old had lost a step as he neared his 30s. And when the Browns saw Hunt wasn’t the same, they adjusted accordingly, which led to a comfortable career-high 329 touches for Chubb.

If you’re in dire need of running backs in fantasy, I won’t tell you to avoid Hunt at all costs. He will be the Browns’ featured offensive player soon enough, and that should give him a high-performance floor. But even beyond his 2022 struggles, it’s fair to wonder what kind of game shape Hunt is in. Is this a player the Browns will plug and play because he already knows their offense? Possibly, but I’d bet on Hunt needing at least a week or two before the Browns fully unleash him. And I think that’s being charitable.

This is my final advice. Add Hunt if you have a path to sign him, if you have a need, and he’s available. But don’t count on him being that waiver-wire addition that leads to a playoff berth or league championship. We need to see some baby steps of progress first.