The New Orleans Saints are taking proactive measures to secure their position in the NFC South by considering signing Kareem Hunt as insurance for star running back Alvin Kamara. With Kamara set to miss the beginning of the season, the Saints believe adding Hunt to their roster could give them a significant advantage over their division rivals. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has reported that Hunt will be visiting the Saints on Monday, indicating a potential move is on the horizon.
New Orleans is currently regarded as the favorite to emerge from the NFC South, and for good reason. They boast the division’s top quarterback in Derek Carr, who will be making his debut for the team after joining from the Las Vegas Raiders. However, with the addition of Kareem Hunt, the Saints’ running back tandem could be just as formidable as what the Atlanta Falcons have to offer.
If the Saints ultimately sign Hunt, it could be the move that propels them to the top of the division. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may take a step back in their first season without Tom Brady, the race for supremacy in the NFC South appears to be wide open between the Saints, the Carolina Panthers, and the Atlanta Falcons. While New Orleans and Atlanta may have a slight edge, the Panthers have also made a significant addition in quarterback Bryce Young, potentially changing the dynamics of the division.
One of the reasons the potential addition of Hunt is appealing is his ability to thrive as a No. 2 running back in any NFL offense. He has already shown his versatility and skill during his time backing up Nick Chubb in Cleveland. Furthermore, the Saints’ head coach Dennis Allen, known for his defensive acumen, may favor a ball-control offense, making Hunt a valuable asset.
The Saints deserve credit for their late-offseason aggressiveness. Every move they make at this point could greatly impact the team’s fortunes. While they don’t necessarily need to be dominant to secure a home playoff game, none of the NFC South teams seem capable of reaching the Super Bowl. However, with the potential addition of Carr, Hunt, and other seasoned players, the Saints could defy expectations and change their course.
Should the Saints sign Hunt as a free agent, they will undoubtedly strengthen their roster while also weakening the team he departs from, the Cleveland Browns. It remains to be seen how this potential move will impact the outlook of the NFC South, but it certainly adds another intriguing element to the division.
In conclusion, the New Orleans Saints are considering the addition of Kareem Hunt to bolster their chances in the NFC South. The move, if it happens, could elevate the Saints to the top of the division. Hunt’s ability to excel as a No. 2 running back makes him an excellent complement to Alvin Kamara. As the season unfolds, the Saints’ aggressive offseason strategy will determine if they can secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.
