New Orleans Saints hosting RB Kareem Hunt on visit
The New Orleans Saints are looking like the team who could potentially give Kareem Hunt a chance to return to the NFL.
According to reports, the free agent running back is headed to New Orleans for a workout, as the Saints deal with the fallout of Alvin Kamara’s suspension.
“The Saints are not only working out running back Kareem Hunt, they are also working out linebacker Anthony Barr today, per source,” tweeted Dianna Russini of ESPN.
After beginning his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, Hunt has spent the last three seasons in Cleveland with the Browns, creating a two-headed monster at running back with Nick Chubb. He’s amassed over 4,000 rushing yards and 48 total touchdowns over his time in the NFL, so his time on the open market has been puzzling.
Alas, it looks like Kamara’s situation could open a door for Hunt, who just needs an opportunity from a team in 2023.
The NFL announced a suspension for the aforementioned Kamara of three games, punishing him for for violating the team’s personal conduct policy, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Kamara was involved in a fight in Las Vegas in 2022 that initially resulted in a felony charge.
The running back agreed to a plea deal last month, days before his trial was scheduled to start in Clark County.
Continuing, Kamara met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last week to discuss the incident. Following that meeting, the league landed on a three-game suspension. That means Kamara will miss games versus the Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers.
In February, a Vegas grand jury indicted the Saints running back for assault from charges initially filed in February 2022. Chris Lammons, who recently signed with the Colts, also was charged in the fight. Kamara and Lammons were former teammates with the Saints.
Additionally, Kamara, a former Tennessee football star, initially pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit battery (a misdemeanor). And he pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of substantial bodily injury.
He was sentenced to 30 hours of community service and agreed to pay for the victim’s medical expenses, which totaled more than $105,000. He also settled a lawsuit filed by the victim.
“I never want to be involved in something where someone gets hurt or severely injured or anything,” Kamara told reporters at camp. He said it was “poor judgment on my end. Definitely a bad decision, but I’m a man. Everything I’ve ever done in my life I stood (up for). And I can take accountability for and I can say when I’m wrong.”
Kamara added: “I was completely wrong, embarrassed the Saints, embarrassed my family and my mother, embarrassed myself and embarrassed the city. And … obviously embarrassed the NFL.”
It’s going to be a big season for the Saints, so New Orleans isn’t taking any chances with Alvin Kamara suspended for the first three games of the season. Perhaps opportunity is knocking for Kareem Hunt with the franchise.