Chubb wants Browns to keep Hunt long term: 'He's my best friend'

Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb can't imagine playing without teammate Kareem Hunt.

"I think it's really important (to have Hunt on the team)," Chubb said Monday on NFL Network. "He's my best friend, on and off the field. He's a great person to be around. I couldn't imagine playing without him. I want him to be here, whatever they got to do to keep him here. I want to play with Kareem."

Chubb's comments come a day after Hunt reportedly requested a trade. Hunt, who's entering the last season of a two-year, $12-million extension he signed in 2020, is looking for a new contract with Cleveland. He didn't participate in team drills for consecutive days last week but rejoined activities Sunday. Cleveland apparently has no intention of moving Hunt.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday the reported trade request isn't distracting the team.

Chubb and Hunt form arguably the NFL's best duo of running backs. Chubb, the team's leading back, has taken the league by storm since being drafted in the second round in 2018, averaging at least five yards per carry in four straight campaigns. The 26-year-old, who inked a three-year, $36-million extension in 2021, rushed for 1,259 yards and eight touchdowns last year despite missing three games.

Meanwhile, injuries limited Hunt to only 78 carries for 386 yards and five touchdowns in eight appearances last season. The 27-year-old previously racked up 1,145 scrimmage yards and 11 scores while playing all 16 games for the Browns in 2020.

Hunt led the NFL with 1,327 rushing yards as a rookie in 2017 for the Kansas City Chiefs, who drafted him in the third round. He signed with the Browns as a free agent in 2019.