Bills: Available player could provide much-needed solution
The Buffalo Bills have been aggressive in their team-building approach in 2022 which has fans expecting a trade before the November 1st deadline to make such transactions. Christian McCaffrey was a conversation, while some have speculated on getting defensive help or even acquiring depth at wide receiver. But on Monday, a controversial name entered the […]
The Buffalo Bills have been aggressive in their team-building approach in 2022 which has fans expecting a trade before the November 1st deadline to make such transactions.
Christian McCaffrey was a conversation, while some have speculated on getting defensive help or even acquiring depth at wide receiver.
But on Monday, a controversial name entered the scene. According to Brad Staibrook from The Orange and Brown Rpt, the Cleveland Browns are shopping RB Kareem Hunt.
The Bills, who still need more consistency from their rushing offense, are immediate candidates for any and all available running backs. Hunt is no exception. Despite being relatively hidden by Nick Chubb's play, Hunt remains a highly effective player for the Browns.
Through seven games this season, he's averaging four yards per carry and has nine explosive runs (10+ yards) per Pro Football Focus. Those big gainers rank 26th in the NFL, which might not sound like a lot. But out of the 25 players with more explosive runs, Hunt has the fourth-fewest attempts.
If interested in him, the Bills would be targeting a running back that's still elusive and powerful.
He's still the athletic back who can impact the receiving game, too.
Whether or not Buffalo is interested in bringing him depends on two questions, though.
1. How much would they have to pay?
Hunt is set to hit free agency next offseason, which suggests the Browns are not going to ask for much. A Day 3 draft pick should be enough to get him to the Bills.
The Browns are starving for draft picks after trading for Deshaun Watson which means they're interested in anything.
2. Are the Bills okay with his history?
In 2018, a videotape of Hunt physically assaulting a woman led to the Chiefs releasing him and the NFL placing him on the Commissioner's Exempt List. Is the front office willing to overlook that or is it an immediate "no" because of it?
They'll have to figure that out before making any phone calls.
The Bills have been linked with several running backs ahead of the trade deadline because of their struggles in the running game. Per DVOA, they have the 28th most efficient rushing offense in the league.
While it doesn't seem like a big deal now that Buffalo is at the top of the world, it takes just one close game that needs some "closing" to be reminded how devastating it can be to not be able to pound the rock.
Finding an upgrade at running back would also help the Bills' red zone offense. The unit ranks 15th in red zone scoring percentage (tied with four other teams).
Featured image via Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
