Free agent running back Kareem Hunt reportedly left the New Orleans Saints facility without signing a contract Tuesday.
According to Jordan Shultz, Hunt is leaving New Orleans and heading up to Indiana to meet with the Indianapolis Colts, who also desperately need running back depth.
Kareem Hunt is leaving his free agent visit with the #Saints without a contract, per sources. I’m told he’s scheduled to visit the #Colts next. Hunt has interest from a number of teams, and will remain in contact with New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/ciHwt5FieT
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 8, 2023
Hunt, drafted in 2017 by the Chiefs in the third round, played with Kansas City until 2018. Hunt spent the last four seasons in Cleveland with his hometown team.
Earlier Tuesday afternoon, multiple news outlets reported Hunt was set to sign a deal to play this season in New Orleans.
Indianapolis has faced backlash this offseason after owner Jim Irsay went to ‘X’ (Twitter) to publicly discuss his thoughts on the running backs situation in the NFL.
NFL Running Back situation- We have negotiated a CBA,that took years of effort and hard work and compromise in good faith by both sides..to say now that a specific Player category wants another negotiation after the fact,is inappropriate. Some Agents are selling ‘bad faith’..
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) July 26, 2023
Followed by comments days later stating the team has no interest in trading their star running back Jonathan Taylor following his trade request.
Text from @Colts owner @JimIrsay on Jonathan Taylor’s trade request (as reported by @RapSheet): “We’re not trading Jonathan… end of discussion. Not now and not in October!”
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 30, 2023
The Colts have a smaller running backs room compared to the Saints, which could be why Hunt is hesitant to join New Orleans.