The market for free agent running back Kareem Hunt was ice-cold up until the last few days. With injuries occurring and some suspensions being handed during training camp, a few backfield openings around the league have opened up.
The New Orleans Saints are one team that received some bad news this week in terms of a suspension. Star running back Alvin Kamara received a three-game ban for breaking the league’s personal-conduct policy stemming from an incident during Pro Bowl weekend in 2022.
That left free agent signing Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller atop the Saints’ depth chart. Looking for some more reliable veteran experience, the Saints had Kareem Hunt come in for a visit.
It was reported that things went very well between the Saints and Kareem Hunt, as the visit was described as great by Adam Schefter of ESPN. His next step on the free agent tour was with the Indianapolis Colts, who have some running back issues of their own.
The Colts are without Jonathan Taylor, who was placed on the physically unable to perform list to open camp because of his ankle. A back injury was also reported by the team, but Taylor has disrupted that. Regardless, he is no longer at camp, opting to rehab off-site.
His backup, Zack Moss, broke his arm last week in practice, which spurred the Colts to make some calls in free agency. Kareem Hunt is someone they have set their sights on. And, according to Dianna Russini of ESPN, this is the reason that Hunt’s meeting with the Saints was cut short.
According to Russini, Kareem Hunt received a call from the Colts before even stepping on the field with the Saints. He was reportedly offered more money and urged to leave the workout and head to Indianapolis instead.
That is quite a turn of events for Kareem Hunt, who now has teams fighting over his services while his phone didn’t ring for most of the offseason. Now on his way to visit with the Colts, it would not be surprising if a deal is announced shortly after as the offer of more money would entice any player.
