Teams around the NFL are currently occupied with roster gymnastics, but a few big-name free agents have still yet to land a deal of any kind over the course of the offseason. One of those is running back Kareem Hunt, who continues to draw interest.
Four teams have made an offer to the 28-year-old recently, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. None have been sufficient to produce an agreement, though, despite the actions of teams like the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings. Each of those clubs hosted Hunt on a free agent visit and New Orleans, in particular, was reported to be prepared to sign him pending the result of a physical.
Instead, the former rushing champion remains unsigned like a number of veteran backs. The position has seen its financial value take another hit this offseason and it comes as little surprise that Hunt needed to wait deep into free agency for tangible interest to pick up. He spent the past four years in Cleveland, splitting handoffs with Nick Chubb and operating as an effective pass-catcher. Hunt averaged 4.2 yards per carry with the Browns, totaling 973 yards and seven touchdowns on 132 catches during his tenure with the team.
It can likely be presumed that New Orleans, Indianapolis and Minnesota represent three of the four offers Hunt has weighed but ultimately turned down. Even without Alvin Kamara for the first three games of the season, the Saints have a number of options in their backfield, one which will be crowded after the five-time Pro Bowler’s return. The Colts still have Jonathan Taylor in the fold after a trade could not be worked out (though he will start the year on the PUP list). The Vikings, meanwhile, added pass-catcher Myles Gaskin earlier Wednesday to give them an experienced depth option behind starter Alexander Mattison.
Hunt still has time to find an opportunity which will yield a 53-man roster spot and notable playing time. He will need to move quickly, however, if he is to have a deal in place by the time the regular season kicks off. If the interest which has existed in recent weeks continues, an agreement could be coming soon.
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