Will Kareem Hunt Get Traded Before Week 1 of the NFL Season?

Jackson Sparks takes a look at whether Kareem Hunt's trade request will be granted before week 1 of the 2022 NFL season and where he could end up.

On August 7th, reports began to surface about Kareem Hunt’s desire to be traded. Of course, this is an intriguing development for the NFL landscape, especially in fantasy football.

Hunt took the league by storm as a rookie in Kansas City, leading the NFL in rushing yards with 1,327. He also caught 53 passes for 455 yards and scored 11 total touchdowns. In his second season, he was on track for another strong year before being released by the Chiefs in mid-November due to off-the-field issues.

Hunt then joined his hometown team, the Cleveland Browns, where he’s primarily served as a complementary back to Nick Chubb, and a third-down back. Nonetheless, when he has gotten the ball he’s been efficient. Despite playing in a timeshare with Chubb, he’s finished as a top-24 RB in PPR leagues in each of the past two seasons.  Since his touches have been limited throughout his five-year career, the possibility of him stepping into a workhorse role is exciting and his ceiling outcome could be monstrous.

Where could Kareem Hunt be Traded?

Many fantasy writers have dreamed of a reunion in Kansas City thanks to the struggles of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, but given the circumstances of Hunt’s release, that seems improbable. There’s also been mention of the New England Patriots, which loves to play as many running backs as anyone in the league. The Atlanta Falcons would be his best opportunity to take on a full workhorse load, but would a rebuilding team be interested? Tampa Bay is mentioned any time a star player might become available thanks to Tom Brady, but the draft capital spent on Rachaad White makes that idea a little murky.

Ultimately, you could go on and on about possible trade destinations, but none of that matters until we explore the possibility of Hunt being traded in the first place.

Will Kareem Hunt Get Traded Before Week 1?

Unfortunately for eager fantasy owners, the Browns denied Hunt’s trade request immediately. That said, the likelihood of a trade before Week 1 is slim to none. However, we know things can change rapidly in the NFL, so while it’s improbable, it’s not impossible. This is clearly a situation worth monitoring, so stay tuned for further updates.

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