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As the Cleveland Browns transition into the 2023 NFL season, NFL free agency and the NFL draft have altered their roster. Even more, the Browns plan to shift to a more wide-open attack and having spent a load of cap space on their offense has led to some expected changes.
For RB Kareem Hunt, the divorce from his hometown team started during training camp of the 2022 season. Hunt, seemingly a victim of the running back market, has remained a free agent with only one team ever noted as of interest.
Having once led the NFL in rushing and having solid years in Cleveland, the 28-year-old has had to wait for an opportunity. With Alvin Kamara suspended and Eno Benjamin out for the year due to injury, that chance has arisen with the New Orleans Saints:
Source: Kareem Hunt is making a free agent visiting to the #Saints
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 7, 2023
The former rushing leader could be headed to NFC South. pic.twitter.com/Qjse1eHSnl
In six seasons, Hunt has rushed for over 4,000 yards but over 1,300 of those came in 2017 as a rookie. Last year, he averaged just 3.8 yards per carry and 6.0 yards per reception, both career lows.
Update #1:
Hunt will reportedly sign in New Orleans:
The New Orleans Saints are expected to sign both Kareem Hunt and Anthony Barr, if both players pass their physicals and are in shape, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) August 8, 2023
Update #2
Despite the above report, neither Hunt or Barr will sign with the Saints immediately after their visits. Hunt will now visit the Indianapolis Colts:
Source: FA Kareem Hunt had a great visit with the #Saints and is now on his way to Indianapolis to meet with the #Colts tomorrow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 8, 2023
Russini added to her report and clarified what happened:
How about this twist?
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) August 8, 2023
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
End updates
The Saints brought in Jamaal Williams in free agency but could add Hunt for depth if a contract could be worked out.
New Orleans also hired former Browns DC Joe Woods this offseason so Hunt would have a familiar face. Last year, WR Jarvis Landry left Cleveland to join the Saints but he played in just nine games and had career lows across the board.
While some Browns fans would like to see Hunt return, that bridge seems burned on both sides. Thankfully for Hunt, the Saints seem to be marching in with interest.
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