The Browns on Monday placed a tender on running back Kareem Hunt (second round) along with exclusive rights free agents Pharaoh Brown, Dontrell Hilliard and KhaDarel Hodge.
Hunt, who is a restricted free agent, is entering his fourth NFL season and second with the Browns. After serving an eight-game suspension to start the 2019 season, Hunt played a big role in Cleveland's offense as a pass-catcher, blocker and runner. He rushed for 179 yards and two touchdowns while catching 37 passes for 285 yards and another score.
As a restricted free agent, Hunt is free to negotiate with other teams around the league. The Browns, though, have the right to match any offer he receives. If the Browns decline to match the offer, they would receive a second-round pick from the team that signs him.
Primarily used as a blocker, Brown appeared in nine games with six starts. He caught two passes for 27 yards.
Hilliard, in his second season with the team, helped the Browns as both a running back and return man. He ran it 13 times for 49 yards and two touchdowns while returning 15 punts and 17 kickoffs, including a 74-yarder against the Seahawks.
Claimed off waivers before the season, Hodge provided his biggest impact on special teams, where he was one of the team's core players. He also caught four passes for 76 yards, including a 41-yarder against the Steelers.
Exclusive rights free agents have the option of signing their tender or sitting out the season.
