And he got his extension in 2020.
Yes, not at all unusual to look for a new contract, but to request a trade with only a year left seems quite an escalation.
Why do you think it's an escalation?
To me, it seems clear that both sides have been talking about an extension. Those talks broke down, and so Hunt is saying "If I'm not going to be extended, please trade me"
I think it's reasonable for Hunt to have that take. I think it's reasonable for the Browns to not sink more money into Hunt at this point. It makes sense for the two sides to break up.
To your earlier post about him being more than a #2 - agreed - I meant that in the context of Chubb clearly being the #1 back.
Good news is the trade demand will make his value around the league very clear. Should make it obvious if the money is looking for is out there. If it is, someone will compensate the Browns to lock him up. Personally, I doubt its out there - not because Hunt isn’t good - but because RBs still are depressed in value relative to other positions (though their value is increasing relative to what is was the last 10 years), and also because I can’t see a team wanting to commit 2022 dollars and comp to the Browns this year.
Glad the Browns have DEJ and took Ford. Must have seen this coming.
What do you think the Bills, Chiefs, Rams or Bucs would give up for Hunt? I bet we could get an offer of a fifth that escalates into a fourth if Hunt plays enough games. The problem is, improving a fellow competitor isn't worth that.
So, you're left looking at the bad teams--and if they're not ready to compete, why are they shelling out draft capital and money (in a new contract) for Hunt? The trade offers you'll get from those teams will be depressed and not reflect Hunt's value.
Of course, you could always just get a stupid franchise overpaying for a wasted asset--like how the Colts lucked out with Washington giving them a haul just for the privilege of paying shitty Carson Wentz his albatross salary. I just don't count on those moves happening.
Finally, I don't think "Hunt is going to demand a trade. We better draft Ford" is how it went down. I think Berry likes to get the replacements on the roster ahead of time. We drafted Ford to make Hunt expendable. We drafted Emerson to make Greedy expendable. It's one of those "team building guard rails" that we saw on that DePodesta laminated page that everyone loves to reference. "Don't pay for depth." By drafting guys before you come to that critical junction, it's easier to let vets walk.
That's how good organizations build teams. It's how you not only save your limited financial resources for the players who demand it, but also replenish your draft cupboard with compensatory picks. Browns fans just aren't used to us being one of the good franchises in the NFL so it all feels foreign
