Why Kareem Hunt Would Be Perfect For The Texans
Deshaun Watson is one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL. No one will dispute that fact, but defenses have had the luxury of not having to respect the Houston running game. The Texans have to figure out how to keep defenses honest with their rushing attack.
As we already mentioned, Carlos Hyde was solid in 2019. However, he does not provide the kind of playmaking threat that makes opposing defense game plan against the run.
Hunt, on the other hand, is exactly the kind of playmaker that gives defensive coordinators nightmares. It’s easy to forget that just two short years ago, Hunt was one of the most dangerous running backs in the NFL.
Back in 2018 with the Kansas City Chiefs, Hunt racked up 824 yards and seven touchdowns on 181 carries in 11 games. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry. Hunt also caught 26 passes for 378 yards and seven touchdowns.
Being able to put up that kind of production in a pass-first offense like Andy Reid runs with the historic season that Patrick Mahomes put together shows just how good Hunt really is capable of being. He was a “Plan B” option for the Chiefs, but still was on track to rush for well over 1,000 yards and around 10 touchdowns.
If the Texans were to sign Hunt, he would immediately become their every down feature back. Duke Johnson would receive some run behind him, but not much. Hunt would be the backfield running mate that Watson needs.
Hunt likely won’t break the bank this offseason for any team interested in signing him. Due to his off-the-field issues from two years ago, he will likely be looking for a one or two-year deal worth between $5-8 million annually. That kind of contract would be ideal for the Texans.
All of that being said, the Texans cannot afford to let their window come and go without going all-in. Signing Hunt would be viewed as a “risk” by some, but it might be the move that takes them over the top and into the Super Bowl.
