Fansided
Fansided

Ideal landing spots for Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott and other free agent running backs

By Hunter Haas

Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) looks on after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. With the win, the Minnesota Vikings clinched the NFC North. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) looks on after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. With the win, the Minnesota Vikings clinched the NFC North. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Nov 27, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) runs with the ball during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) runs with the ball during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Kareem Hunt — Carolina Panthers

An off-the-wall pairing that I like is Kareem Hunt joining the Carolina Panthers. Miles Sanders arrives to the franchise as the feature back based on the hefty contract the front office sent his way. But signing the veteran Hunt would give the offense a different type of running back to form a one-two punch. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young needs a steady ground game to lean on, and a duo of Sanders and Hunt would accomplish that.

The Panthers may not offer the veteran ball carrier his best chance at a Super Bowl ring. However, they present Hunt with an opportunity to see the field often in 2023. Not only that, he also has a chance to serve as a mentor to the youngsters on offense. It helps that Carolina boasts one of the most underrated offensive lines in the NFL, surely making life easier for Hunt as he navigates his blocks.

The franchise should do all it can to smooth over Young’s transition to Sundays. His wide receivers are not the most intimidating group on paper, so expect head coach Frank Reich to establish a respectable running game early on. Hunt could provide a ton of stability to the young offense.

Home/NFL Free Agency