Report: Saints Expected To Sign Kareem Hunt
The New Orleans Saints are about to have one of the best backfields in the NFL. The team signed Jamaal Williams to a three-year deal back in March, and now they are expected to pick up free agent running back Kareem Hunt if he passes his physical, according to ESPN NFL insider Dianna Russini.
The Saints’ top running back, Alvin Kamara, is set to face a three-game suspension at the beginning of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after a February 2022 battery arrest in Las Vegas, Nev. Now the team will add more talented and cheap depth to their running back room.
Hunt has proved that he can thrive in any role in the position. In his rookie year, he amassed 1,327 yards and eight rushing touchdowns as a starter in Kansas City. He then signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2018 and served as an excellent backup to the All-Pro Nick Chubb. Through four years with the Browns, Hunt rushed for 1,874 yards and 16 touchdowns, and added 973 receiving yards with seven additional touchdowns through the air.
Hunt played in 17 games with Cleveland last season. He rushed for 468 yards and three touchdowns on 123 attempts. He also caught 35 passes for 210 yards with one receiving touchdown.
Weapons Galore
The Saints’ backfield has the potential to be scary in 2023. Williams led the league in rushing touchdowns last year with 17, and Kamara will add a dual-threat dimension in terms of both receiving and rushing.
Kamara played in 15 games in 2022 and amassed 897 rushing yards to go along with 497 receiving yards and four total touchdowns. At his best, we know Kamara can put up 1600-plus scrimmage yards and 18-plus touchdowns. However, the past two years haven’t seen that same production. It’s going to be exciting to see how the Saints utilize each back’s talents this season.
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UPDATE: Kareem Hunt is not a lock to sign with the Saints as previously reported and is expected to meet with the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday, per Adam Schefter. Hunt had what was described as “a great visit with the Saints”, but no deal is on the table as of yet. Additionally, Anthony Barr left New Orleans without a deal as well.
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