Saints considering signing veteran RB, Kareem Hunt

The New Orleans Saints are considering adding a third big name to their running back group. On paper, if Hunt signs with New Orleans, he would be joining an already stacked offense.

Though starting running back Alvin Kamara will be suspended to start the 2023 season, he will only miss three games (less than 20% of the season). The Saints already have depth in the backfield, having signed last year's running touchdown leader (Jamaal Williams) in the offseason and drafting Kendre Miller in the third round of this year's draft.

Chris Olave, the 11th overall pick in 2022, and three-time Pro Bowler Michael Thomas, who is seeking to play his first complete season since 2019, lead their receiving corps. Derek Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler, was also signed to be the team's starting quarterback in the fall.

Hunt had his greatest season as a rookie with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017, when he led the NFL in running yards (1,327) while also setting career highs in rushing attempts (272), rushing touchdowns (eight), yards per carry (4.9), targets (63), catches (53) and receiving yards (455). That year, he was named to his lone Pro Bowl and finished as the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year runner-up.

Hunt, 28, played one more season with the Chiefs before joining the Cleveland Browns for the last four years. From 2019 to 2022, Hunt split time with four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb in the Browns' backfield.

He has 158 touches (123 rushing attempts) for 678 yards from scrimmage and four total touchdowns last season. Given Kamara's short suspension and the availability of Williams and Miller, New Orleans may not require Hunt, but the arrival of the Toledo product couldn't hurt.