BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns were busy Monday morning as they navigated free agency, placing tenders on several players and releasing another.
The Browns placed a second-round tender on running back Kareem Hunt, meaning as a free agent he is free to negotiate with other teams around the league but the Browns can match any offer he receives. If the Browns decided not to match the offer, they would receive a second-round pick from whichever team signs him.
Hunt was signed by the Browns after being released by the Chiefs in 2018 for a violent incident caught on camera at a Cleveland hotel. After serving an eight-game suspension, Hunt took the field for the Browns, rushing for 179 yards and two touchdowns, catching 37 passes for 285 yards and another touchdown.
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In addition to placing the second-round tender on Hunt, the Browns also tendered exclusive free agent rights on wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, tight end Pharaoh Brown and running back Dontrell Hilliard.
Brown, a Northeast Ohio native, appeared in nine games with six starts. He caught two passes for 27 yards.
Hilliard played with second season with the team last year, serving frequently as a return specialist with appearances at running back as well. He rushed 13 times for 49 yards and two touchdowns while returning 15 punts and 17 kickoffs.
Hodge, who also played on special teams, became increasingly utilized last season, especially with the mysterious lack of Rashard Higgins throughout the season. Hodge caught four passes for 76 yards.
Hilliard, Hodge and Brown have the option to either sign their tenders or sit out the season.
The Browns also announced the team had released safety Morgan Burnett.
Burnett, an 11-year veteran safety played his first season with the Browns. He recorded 41 tackles, two sacks and one interception before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury during Cleveland's Week 11 win against the Steelers.
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