Source details Colts' interest in RB Kareem Hunt

Kareem Hunt seemed on his way to a deal with the New Orleans Saints, but Dianna Russini of ESPN shared a change of plans. And, the Indianapolis Colts could be the reason why. Russini's comments caused me to contact a team source to learn more about this unique situation. The team source shared with me […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer

Aug 8, 2023 7:26 PM EDT

Dec 24, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) tackles Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Kareem Hunt seemed on his way to a deal with the New Orleans Saints, but Dianna Russini of ESPN shared a change of plans. And, the Indianapolis Colts could be the reason why.

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 (@DMRussini) August 8, 2023

Russini's comments caused me to contact a team source to learn more about this unique situation.

The team source shared with me that the Colts are "highly motivated" to get a deal done with free agent running back Kareem Hunt.

If the team is able to sign Hunt, that will be the 2nd veteran RB added since Jonathan Taylor's trade request was made official. The 1st being the signing of Kenyan Drake Friday.

Kenyan Drake lands in Indy. https://t.co/gPKhjDAlJ2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2023

On the topic of the Drake signing, I reached out to a team source to ask whether or not it had to do with the ongoing Jonathan Taylor situation, and the response I was given was, "Bringing on Drake has more to do with Zach (Moss) going down this week."

The Kareem Hunt news, though, comes out the same day head coach Shane Steichen shared that RB Jonathan Taylor is currently rehabbing away from the team. Ian Rapport of NFL Network would share that this is an excused absence for Taylor.

From Inside Training Camp: #Colts RB Jonathan Taylor will be away from the team for a bit with an excused absence. pic.twitter.com/c73Ko9Tk5C
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 8, 2023

This situation seemed very different from the the signing of Kenyan Drake, and when I asked a team source the exact question I previously asked about Drake, they could not give a concrete answer.

I think it's safe to say the Colts' interest in Hunt could very well have to do with their disgruntled RB still being sidelined by his ankle injury last season. And while he continues to rehab, the team is interested in adding a proven veteran to add to the room now as well as when/if Taylor returns to the Colts. Hunt also has experience being the second head of a two-headed backfield from his time with the Browns, which could fit well with Taylor as a dominant 1-2 punch if the opportunity presents itself.