Tag: Kareem Hunt

2020 NFL MVP Odds: Is Nick Chubb worth a bet?

Analyzing the betting odds to be named the NFL’s 2020 MVP, with a look at whether Nick Chubb is worthy of a bet this season.

Do you think Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb has a shot at winning the 2020 NFL MVP?

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson took home the goods as the 2019 NFL MVP, a player Chubb and the Browns play two times every season in the grind of the AFC North Division. Chubb and the Browns failed to live up to lofty preseason odds a year ago, floundering in another sub-.500, non-playoff season after entering with plenty of fanfare after significant offseason additions. Now the Browns find themselves with yet another new coach, another new general manager, etc. …

Let’s examine Chubb’s MVP chances, the BetMGM NFL futures odds around it happening and whether or not Chubb is worth a bet.

Recent NFL MVP winners

Jackson was impressive in rolling to the MVP award in 2019, following Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, the 2018 winner. In fact, quarterbacks have had a monopoly on the award recently, taking the trophy in seven straight seasons, and 12 of the past 13. The good news for Chubb and others at his position, running back was the last position other than quarterback to be named MVP when RB Adrian Peterson, then of the Minnesota Vikings, won in 2012. Running backs also won in consecutive seasons with Shaun Alexander (2005) and LaDainian Tomlinson (2006).

Nick Chubb’s 2020 NFL MVP odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, March 27 at 11:15 p.m. ET.

Chubb (+8000) is tied with Oakland Raiders RB Josh Jacobs for the sixth-best odds on the board among running backs, but that’s still a rather hefty long shot. Add in the fact that RB Kareem Hunt, a former MVP candidate, is also in the Browns backfield, and Chubb should see his touches curtailed somewhat. That won’t help Chubb’s chances to really explode and post 2,000 total scrimmage yards, which seems to be the minimum requirements for MVP consideration.

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Nick Chubb’s stats

Chubb completed his second NFL season in 2019 with 1,494 rushing yards (5.0 yards per attempt) and eight rushing scores with 36 grabs for 278 yards and no scores. He did lose three fumbles total after failing to put the ball on the ground in his rookie campaign of 2018. Chubb is very consistent, and he could take another step forward in 2020. But again, Hunt will not be suspended for eight games like last season, and the Browns have a lot of mouths to feed among the skill positions, so a huge jump in production for Chub seems unlikely.

Is Nick Chubb worth a 2020 NFL MVP bet?

Again, Hunt’s presence for a full season of games means Chubb won’t be the workhorse. He could potentially see a bump in average yards per carry, but expect a decrease in overall production as they give him more breathers. Add in the fact a quarterback has won this award seven seasons in a row, and the Browns should pass quite frequently with QB Baker Mayfield, WRs Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, as well as newly acquired TE Austin Hooper, and it’s fair to project Chubb with about 1,500 rushing yards and 300 receiving yards, or close to his 2019 numbers. Is that MVP-worthy? Not even close.

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Kareem Hunt signs his 2nd-round tender offer to remain in Cleveland

Hunt was a restricted free agent but received no outside offers

It’s now official: Kareem Hunt will be back with the Cleveland Browns in 2020. The running back signed his restricted free agency tender offer on Friday.

Hunt will earn $3.259 million in 2020 and will then become an unrestricted free agent after the season ends. The Browns placed the second-round tender offer on Hunt to protect from losing the talented back. As a restricted free agent, other teams were allowed to make him offers. However, the Browns could match any offer or let Hunt depart and get a second-round pick in return.

Hunt did not receive any outside offers, nor did any other restricted free agents. It made Friday’s signing academic when the deadline passed, and Hunt ensured he’ll be back in his hometown for at least one more season.

Browns give RB Kareem Hunt second-round tender as a restricted free agent

The Browns can match any offer to Hunt or let him go for a 2nd-round pick in return

The Cleveland Browns officially tendered restricted free agent running back Kareem Hunt with a second-round tender. It means the team can match any offer the restricted free agent gets from other teams, and the Browns would receive a second-round pick in return if they elect to let him leave.

In eight games last year, Hunt recorded 179 rushing yards and two touchdowns and added 37 receptions for 285 yards and one touchdown. The Willoughby Heights native had some success down the stretch as the third-down back behind starter Nick Chubb. Time will tell what role new Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski will have for Hunt entering 2020.

Hunt had more good news for him recently, as he found out he would not be charged for his January traffic stop in Rocky River.

NFL free agency still on schedule for now

NFL free agency still on schedule for now

With so many businesses and industries rapidly adjusting their operations due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was some thought the NFL would postpone the start of free agency and the legal tampering period. As of 8 a.m., just four hours before teams can start contacting and negotiating with free agents, the NFL was still conducting business as usual.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN on the Golic and Wingo radio program, several NFL team execs have openly complained about the logistics of travel for prospective free agents. With domestic travel severely restricted and large gatherings now taboo, many teams wanted the NFL to delay the onset of free agency. The NFLPA has pushed to keep everything on schedule in the immediate aftermath of approving the new CBA.

Restricted free agents, including Browns RB Kareem Hunt, must get their qualifying offers by Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Kareem Hunt won’t be charged with marijuana possession from his January traffic stop

Browns RB Kareem Hunt won’t be charged with marijuana possession from his January traffic stop according to Rocky River police

Browns running back Kareem Hunt can breathe a sigh of relief. Hunt will not be charged with marijuana possession stemming from his traffic stop in Rocky River in January, according to police.

Rocky River PD public information officer George Lichman made the pronouncement in an email via the Akron Beacon-Journal on Monday.

“We will not be pursuing charges of marijuana possession against Kareem Hunt,” Lichman said in the email.

Hunt had a small amount of marijuana in his car when he was pulled over on I-90 for speeding in the western suburbs. The officer who pulled him over noted it, and Hunt tearfully admitted it could be a problem for his career.

Hunt is a pending restricted free agent and the Browns need to decide what level of tender offer to make to him. Not having a lingering drug citation hanging over his head can only help Hunt’s case to remain with his hometown Browns.

1 pending free agent Dolphins should avoid from each AFC North team

Who should the Miami Dolphins avoid targeting in free agency from the AFC North? Here’s one player from each team.

The Miami Dolphins roster rebuild isn’t just about the players added to the roster via the draft and free agency. No, some of the most important moves are the ones that the Dolphins decide not to make. Because one wrong decision can hinder on the field play, it could hinder the team’s salary cap situation, it could sour the chemistry in the locker room and more. The Dolphins have an embarrassment of assets at their disposal, but that doesn’t mean the team should spend like gangbusters and sign anyone that moves to a deal.

Looking across the NFL landscape, there’s a ton of potential contributors set to hit the market. The Dolphins will need to choose their spots wisely. Here’s one pending free agent from each team in the AFC North that the Dolphins should pass on calling:

Baltimore Ravens – Cornerback Jimmy Smith

Dec 22, 2019; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) catches a pass in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

This one feels pretty straight forward — even though the Dolphins have a dire need at the cornerback position, they’re in the midst of a youth movement. Adding aging veteran players is going to be a selective process for Miami and they’d be well served to attack youth first and foremost at the premiere positions (quarterback, offensive tackle, defensive end, cornerback) and get their veterans elsewhere.

Smith endured an abbreviated season in 2019, playing in just 9 games. That’s unfortunately par for the course with Smith — he hasn’t played 16 games since 2015 and will be 32 years old this summer.

Right idea, wrong player.

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Report: Kareem Hunt confident he’s in Browns plans for 2020

Report: Kareem Hunt confident he’s in Browns plans for 2020 according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler

One of the big offseason stories that need unfolding for the Cleveland Browns is what happens with running back Kareem Hunt. The RB played well in his 8-game stint with the Browns in 2019, though his off-field peccadillos cast a large shadow over his future.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Hunt believes he’s sticking around Cleveland for at least another year.

“I’m told that Kareem Hunt expects to be in the Browns’ plans next year,” Fowler stated.

After noting Hunt’s restricted free agent status and the hope by the running back that he’s tagged with a high value tender, Fowler continued,

“He’d like to stay in Cleveland. Kevin Stefanski loves to run the ball and he can do it with both him and Nick Chubb.”

Fowler did allude to the issues that come with Hunt, including his recent citation for speeding where he possessed a small amount of marijuana, for which he was not charged. Hunt was let go by the Kansas City Chiefs after a disturbing video of Hunt assaulting a young woman at a Cleveland hotel became public, which led to a lengthy suspension.

 

2020 NFL Free Agency: Rashard Higgins, Joe Schobert among Browns options

The Cleveland Browns have intriguing options for the New Orleans Saints: WR Rashard Higgins and LB Joe Schobert are both pending free agents

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We continue our series here at Saints Wire looking at every team across the NFL and the Cleveland Browns are who we will focus on today. Cleveland does not have a large number of free agents heading into 2020, and as such, do not provide clear-cut options for the New Orleans Saints. Here are the 14 free agents for the Browns in 2020:

  • LT Greg Robinson
  • QB Drew Stanton
  • WR Rashard Higgins
  • FS Damarious Randall
  • ILB Joe Schobert
  • FS Eric Murray
  • CB Justin Burris
  • RB Kareem Hunt (RFA)
  • G Justin McCray (RFA)
  • TE Ricky Seals-Jones (RFA)
  • DE Bryan Cox Jr. (RFA)
  • WR Khadarel Hodge (ERFA)
  • RB Dontrell Hilliard (ERFA)
  • TE Pharaoh Brown (ERFA)

One of the only free agents the Saints could possibly be interested in is linebacker Joe Schobert. In 2019, Schobert played in all 16 games and averaged over 99% of defensive snaps. Pro Football Focus grades Schobert’s season out at 59.1, which was just slightly above average at the position. New Orleans could conceivably sign the 28-year old to a multi-year deal, but with better options in the market, it seems unlikely.

Another name that could pop up in discussions for the Saints is Damarious Randall. The free safety missed time in 2019 with a hamstring injury and with discipline issues. New Orleans usually likes to stay away from players that could pose an issue in the locker room. However, when Randall took the field, he was one of the better safeties, and the Saints could take a flyer on a player with high potential like Randall. However, the safety won’t come cheap, which likely puts the Saints out of the running.

Finally, Rashard Higgins could be the one intriguing option for New Orleans in free agency. Higgins proved to be a competent receiver during his 2018 campaign. However, 2019 saw the arrival of Odell Beckham Jr. and the resurgence of Jarvis Landry. Higgins had to fight to see time as the team’s third receiver, especially with Antonio Callaway in the mix. Without a clear-cut number two wide receiver on the New Orleans staff, the Saints could sign Higgins to a team-friendly deal. Higgins has the potential to be an explosive player, and could thrive in Sean Payton’s system.

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Myles Garrett is reinstated: What’s next for the Browns

What’s next on the docket for the Browns?

Myles Garrett has officially been reinstated by the NFL, per a joint release from the Cleveland Browns and the league.

Cleveland Browns General Manager Andrew Berry released a statement shortly after Garrett’s reinstatement became official.

We welcome Myles back to our organization with open arms. We know he is grateful to be reinstated, eager to put the past behind him and continue to evolve and grow as a leader. We look forward to having his strong positive presence back as a teammate, player and person in our community.

With the Browns able to move past Garrett’s reinstatement, we should all be asking the question “what’s next for the Cleveland Browns?”

NFL Scouting Combine: February 24 – March 2

While it feels like a distant memory, the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl saw the Cleveland Browns send an entourage of their former Vice President of Player Personnel, Alonzo Highsmith, and former Assistant General Manager, Eliot Wolf, to the Senior Bowl for scouting purposes. Since the Senior Bowl, both Highsmith and Wolf have been relieved of their duties. With this in mind, the Cleveland Browns, with their front office and coaching staff fully in place, will finally have the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with the prospects of the 2020 NFL Draft. It should also be mentioned this time last year, at the 2019 NFL Combine, when the groundwork for the Olivier Vernon and Odell Beckham trade was constructed.

For the Browns, there is only so much to be done in a week in Indianapolis, However, this is where first contact will be done with potential future Cleveland Browns players and an opportunity for Andrew Berry to build a network of trade partners.

Negotiating with unrestricted free agents: March 16 – 18

Key Browns Free Agents: Greg Robinson, OT (UFA), Rashard Higgins, WR (UFA), Damarious Randall, S (UFA), Kareem Hunt, RB (RFA), Joe Schobert, iLB (UFA)

Per Spotrac, the Cleveland Browns currently have an estimated $48.9 million in cap space available. This is a lot of money, 15th most in the NFL, but there are a lot of holes to fill on the Cleveland Browns roster. It is not realistic for the Browns to take almost $50 million in cap space and fix multiple holes along the offensive line, replace both safety spots, add an interior run stuffer, and reshuffle their linebacker room. It is just not realistic for impact players to be added at all of those positions.

Wrap Up

There are plenty of things for the Browns to move on to next. The NFL combine, free agency, further building out their coaching staff, and trade negotiations are all key offseason landmarks for us to pay attention to. As Browns fans, there we should lament in the fact we have no losses in 2020 and the franchise still has plenty of assets to keep all of these events throughout the offseason interesting.

 

Report: Browns’ Kareem Hunt cited for speeding, marijuana found in car

Kareem Hunt wound up in the back of a police cruiser after being pulled over for speeding.

One would have hoped Cleveland Browns running back Kareeem Hunt would have been smart enough to stay out of trouble. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

The running back, who was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs and suspended by the NFL after violating the league’s personal conduct policy in 2018, was pulled over by Rocky River, (OH), police Tuesday for speeding. The police also found marijuana in the car.

Per ESPN.com:

According to a Rocky River (Ohio) police report, officers pulled Hunt over for speeding and noticed the smell of marijuana in the car. Hunt was placed in the back of the police cruiser while officers conducted a search. They found small amounts of marijuana in a backpack in the backseat. Police seized the backpack as evidence.

 

Hunt was only cited for the speeding violation.

The Browns said they are “aware and looking into it.”

The incident that led to the Chiefs cutting Hunt and the running back being suspended by the NFL is in the video below.