Saints Could Seek Other Options at Running Back
The New Orleans Saints brought free-agent RB Kareem Hunt in for a workout on Monday. With Alvin Kamara serving a three-game suspension to start the season and Eno Benjamin out for the year with an Achilles injury, it seems clear that the Saints want another veteran presence for their backfield.
Hunt, 28, would be a terrific fit in this offense. He's a productive power back with good receiving skills and has been unselfish throughout his career. However, Monday reports also surfaced that Hunt is seeking more than just the veteran minimum contract and may take his time to reach a decision.
If the Saints get impatient, then they may turn to one of the other available backs in free agency.
Yes, former Vikings RB Dalvin Cook is still available. However, Cook is seeking a starting job and the type of contract that goes along with it. With offseason additions Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller already on the roster and Kamara out just three games, New Orleans isn't a realistic scenario for Cook.
Here are some other backs that the Saints might take a look at if they don't reach a deal with Kareem Hunt.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs against New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) and safety Marcus Maye (6). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
• Leonard Fournette (age 28)
• Benny Snell (25)
• J.D. McKissic (29)
• Darrel Williams (28)
As a graduate of St. Augustine High School and former LSU star, Fournette may be the favorite among a certain portion of Saints fans. The fourth overall choice in the 2017 NFL Draft has had a mercurial career, rushing for 4,478 yards with 34 touchdowns and adding 312 receptions for 2,219 yards and another 7 scores.
Fournette is coming off 668 rushing yards and three touchdowns with Tampa Bay, averaging only 3.5 per carry. However, he also had 72 receptions for a career-high 523 yards.
At 6-feet and 228-Lbs., Fournette still has good power between the tackles and solid vision in the open field. He looks to have lost some burst, but is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Fournette would have to accept a lesser role with the Saints, but would bring solid power and versatility to the position.
Benny Snell Jr. (24) of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks for a hole in the New York Jets defensive line. © Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK
Snell is coming off a career-low 90 rushing yards in 2022 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. A fourth-round pick out of Kentucky in the 2019 NFL Draft, he's averaged just 3.6 per carry over his career.
With 982 rushing yards over his four-year stint with the Steelers, Snell was a complementary power back. However, his usage and statistics have declined since 426 yards on the ground as a rookie. He also offered little as a receiver, catching just 17 career passes for 114 yards.
Snell, who's 5'10" and 224-Lbs., is the prototype power back. He's not a true Number One option, but could be effective as a situational player in short yardage and goal line packages.
*UPDATE* The Detroit Lions signed Snell on Thursday, August 10.
Washington running back J.D. McKissic (23) carries the ball past Tennessee Titans linebacker David Long Jr. (51). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY
McKissic has carved out a nice NFL career after being undrafted out of Arkansas State in 2016. He's played with four different teams over his seven seasons, but has earned a role wherever he's gone.
McKissic had his 2022 campaign with Washington cut short because of a neck injury. He has just 1,074 rushing yards, but has 220 receptions for 1,674 yards and 11 total touchdowns. In the five years where he's played at least eight games, he's averaged 44 catches.
Like Snell, McKissic is a situational player, albeit for a different role. He'd provide a legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield, able to spread opposing defenses horizontally and vertically.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrel Williams (31) runs against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
A graduate of John Ehret High School in Louisiana and former LSU standout, Williams is another name familiar to the Gulf Coast region. He appeared in just six contests for the Arizona Cardinals last season, rushing for 102 yards and catching four passes for nine yards.
Before landing in Arizona last year, Williams was a solid complementary piece for Andy Reid's Kansas City Chiefs attack. In his first four years with the Chiefs, Williams had 912 yards on the ground, caught 83 passes for another 762 yards, and had 14 touchdowns. He was especially big in the Chiefs march to Super Bowl LV, rushing for 130 yards in their two AFC playoff wins.
Williams wouldn't be a flashy option, but was a versatile piece in back in a demanding Kansas City offense. He could be a valuable addition as a change-of-pace back, especially early in the year with Kamara out.
Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller are expected to get the bulk of the backfield snaps during Kamara's suspension. Once he returns, this looks like a lethal trio for opposing defenses.
Depth is important at any position. It's clear that the Saints feel this way with their interest in Kareem Hunt. He's the best option still available. However, Fournette, Snell, McKissic, or Williams could all bring situational value if a deal with Hunt cannot be reached.
