It’s not Super Bowl 44, but the Colts and Saints are battling it out again — this time for one of the NFL’s top free-agent running backs.
Kareem Hunt has waited all offseason to find a landing spot after a disappointing season with the Browns, and he has options in both Indianapolis and New Orleans as they look to fill voids in their respective backfields.
The Saints will miss Alvin Kamara for the first three games of the season due to a suspension, and they lost some depth when Eno Benjamin tore his Achilles over the weekend. Even with Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller in tow, they could use a veteran option. The Colts, meanwhile, still aren’t sure whether Jonathan Taylor will be available any time soon.
MORE: Best fits for Jonathan Taylor if Colts make trade
Here’s what you need to know about Hunt’s free-agent tour, and where he could land as the preseason begins:
Kareem Hunt free agent rumors
ESPN’s Dianna Russini initially reported on Tuesday that the Saints were planning to sign Hunt, but no deal was reached. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport later reported Hunt is headed to Indianapolis for a visit with the 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
Hunt’s visit with New Orleans reportedly went “great” but, per Russini, the Colts called Hunt before his workout began and offered him more money than the Saints.
How about this twist?
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
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) August 8, 2023
After an offseason of waiting, it makes sense for Hunt to at least consider the Colts. Jonathan Taylor’s status remains up in the air as he deals with an ankle injury after requesting a trade in late July. Taylor isn’t likely to rush his return as he sets his sights on a new contract, and the Colts have limited depth behind him with Zack Moss out for the foreseeable future with a broken arm.
The Colts recently signed Kenyan Drake to join the depth chart, while fifth-round rookie Evan Hull is also in the backfield mix.
MORE: Why the NFL suspended Alvin Kamara three games
Kareem Hunt stats
| Season | Team | Games | Rushing yards | YPC | Receiving yards | Total TDs |
| 2017 | Chiefs | 16 | 1,327 | 4.9 | 455 | 11 |
| 2018 | Chiefs | 11 | 874 | 4.6 | 378 | 14 |
| 2019 | Browns | 8 | 179 | 4.2 | 285 | 3 |
| 2020 | Browns | 16 | 841 | 4.2 | 304 | 11 |
| 2021 | Browns | 8 | 386 | 4.9 | 174 | 5 |
| 2022 | Browns | 17 | 468 | 3.8 | 210 | 4 |
| Total | — | 76 | 4,025 | 4.5 | 1,806 | 48 |
Hunt saw his efficiency hit a career-low in 2022, when he averaged just 3.8 yards per carry in a complementary role behind Nick Chubb.
The former Chiefs standout requested a trade during training camp last season, but he didn’t do himself any favors ahead of free agency and has been one of many running backs to experience a depressed market this offseason.
With both the Colts and Saints in need of depth, however, a 28-year-old back with 4,000 yards under his belt is an attractive option.