Report: Colts Offer Contract to Kareem Hunt
The Indianapolis Colts brought in free agent running back Kareem Hunt for a visit on Wednesday and offered him a contract according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"Free agent RB Kareem Hunt is leaving Indianapolis without a deal, per source," reported Schefter on Twitter. "Colts made an offer, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement as there still is 'continued interest from other teams.'"
The state of the Colts' running back room has been in flux all training camp. Jonathan Taylor has been absent, and Zach Moss will miss an extended period of time after breaking his arm.
Hunt is considered one of the best free agent running backs still available. He rushed for 468 yards and three touchdowns on 123 carries last year. He's also a weapon in the passing game. He added 35 catches for 210 yards and a score.
Hunt's best season was as a rookie with the Kansas City Chiefs when he had 1,327 yards and eight touchdowns in 2017. He also had a career-high 53 catches for 455 yards his rookie year.
The New Orleans Saints are one of the teams who are interested in Hunt. He took a visit to New Orleans on Tuesday, and according to Dianna Russini, the Colts convinced him not to sign a deal with the Saints before coming to Indianapolis.
"How about this twist," Russini wrote on Twitter. "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."
It seems he is also leaving Indianapolis without an agreement.
The recruitment of Hunt could be seen as a shot across the bow of Taylor who has had a public disagreement with ownership. However even with Taylor, as a predominantly running team, the Colts should be exploring a backfield partner for him.
The Colts did sign free agent running back Kenyan Drake last week. Would there be room for Drake, Taylor, and Hunt?
There's not agreement for now for Hunt, but it seems the Colts were serious enough to make him an offer.
