Getty Image / Justin K Aller
Yesterday, it was reported that Kareem Hunt was expected to sign with the New Orleans Saints and the only thing left standing in the way was that Hunt needed to pass his physical.
That ended up not being the case and Hunt is actually visiting the Indianapolis Colts today, but his physical isn’t the reason that what was described as a great visit with the Saints didn’t end with Hunt signing a deal.
Instead, it turns out the Colts made a really strong move to try and lure him away from New Orleans.
According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the Colts actually ended up offering Hunt more money than the Saints before he got out on the field for his workout with the Saints and he was advised to leave and go to Indianapolis for a visit.
How about this twist?
RB Kareem Hunt was called by Indy before he even stepped foot on the field to work out for the Saints and was offered more money, per source.
He was advised to leave and head to Indy with the Colts for a visit. https://t.co/J5Bx8KMmsU
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) August 8, 2023
The Indianapolis Colts’ running back situation is an interesting one right now.
They have a star at the position in Jonathan Taylor, but he is currently injured and could be in the midst of a contract dispute with the team.
Zack Moss was supposed to be his backup, but Moss broke his arm during training camp.
The team has since signed Kenyan Drake to add depth at the position.
Despite the addition of Drake, the Colts can offer Kareem Hunt a much larger role than the Saints can if they truly believe that Jonathan Taylor will miss time this season because of either injury or his contract situation.
The Saints’ backfield doesn’t have a whole lot of room in it. Alvin Kamara will miss the first 3 games of the season, but they also have Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller. That could mean that Hunt wouldn’t have a spot on the roster after those first 3 games.
It would be surprising if Hunt didn’t end up signing with the Indianapolis Colts after they beat the Saints’ offer, but it looks like surprises may come with the territory in Kareem Hunt’s free agency.