Article:
New Orleans Saints Expected to Sign Kareem Hunt and Anthony Barr
The New Orleans Saints are making moves to strengthen their roster as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. According to sources, the Saints are expected to sign running back Kareem Hunt and linebacker Anthony Barr, pending physicals.
The Saints have been dealing with a lack of depth at linebacker, with starter Demario Davis currently sidelined with a calf injury. In addition, the team lost reserve linebacker Andrew Dowell for the season after he tore his ACL earlier in camp. The addition of Barr will provide much-needed support and experience to the linebacking corps.
On the offensive side, the Saints will need additional depth at running back due to Alvin Kamara’s three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller are currently on the roster, but the team recently placed reserve running back Eno Benjamin on injured reserve with a ruptured Achilles. The arrival of Hunt will help alleviate the void left by Kamara’s absence.
Speaking about Davis’ injury, Saints coach Dennis Allen expressed optimism that it wouldn’t be a long-term setback. “We’ll monitor him and see how it’s going. I’m not going to get into any timelines, but, again, it’s not going to be anything that’s really significant,” Allen said.
Anthony Barr, 31, spent the 2022 season with the Dallas Cowboys after eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. The former first-round pick had a productive season last year, starting 14 games and recording 58 combined tackles and a sack. Barr has been a consistent performer throughout his career, earning four Pro Bowl selections.
Kareem Hunt, 28, comes to the Saints after spending the past four seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Although he served as a backup to Nick Chubb last season, Hunt still managed to make an impact on the field. He carried the ball 123 times for 468 yards and three touchdowns, while also contributing in the passing game with 35 receptions for 210 yards and a touchdown. Hunt’s breakout year came in 2017 when he won Rookie of the Year and led the league in rushing yards.
The signings of Hunt and Barr indicate the Saints’ commitment to strengthening their roster ahead of the regular season. With depth in key positions being addressed, the team hopes to overcome the challenges posed by injuries and suspensions and make a strong push for success in the upcoming NFL campaign.