NFL Rumors: Colts screw over Saints in Kareem Hunt pursuit
All systems appeared to be a go for the New Orleans Saints to sign Kareem Hunt. In the wake of the three-game suspension for running back Alvin Kamara, the organization brought in one of the best available veteran free agents and ESPN's Dianna Russini even reported that the deal was essentially done.
Then it wasn't. And the Indianapolis Colts are the reason why.
Also reported by Russini, with Hunt to the Saints looking like a formality, the real story was that the Colts — who are dealing with a running back situation of their own with Jonathan Taylor — got in contact with Hunt, offered him potentially more money, and set up a visit with the free agent running back.
The Colts undoubtedly have a need at running back with Taylor both holding out for a new contract and currently being injured. But the optics of this situation are definitely a tough pill to swallow in New Orleans. It seemed like they had a great complement incoming for Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller while Kamara is suspended only for Indianapolis to swoop in and steal him away.
Of course, it's not a certainty that Hunt signs with the Colts. Given that he left New Orleans right for the Colts facilities, though, that does appear likely in light of the reporting on how the situation played out. Now, the Saints will have to turn to another option if they still want to add another back after Kamara's suspension.
NFL Rumors: Vikings UDFA Ivan Pace Jr. making strong impression in camp
When it comes to the NFL Draft and all of the benchmarks that teams have, it's not always difficult to ascertain why certain stars from the college football ranks aren't nearly as coveted when they come to the professional level. Such was the case for former Cincinnati Bearcats All-American linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.
Over the course of seven rounds, Pace went undrafted. That was surely due to his lack of prototypical size at 5-foot-10, 230 pounds, which ultimately allowed the Minnesota Vikings to come in and sign the linebacker as a UDFA.
Now, even if teams and fans fall in love with a UDFA signing, the chances of them making the roster are sometimes slim and the chances of those players seeing the field right away are even slimmer. But so far in training camp, Pace has been one of the biggest stars for the Vikings.
Will Ragatz of Inside the Vikings highlighted that Pace has been all over the field for the defense in practices to this point, highlighting that his style of play is perfect for the attacking style of new defensive coordinator Brian Flores. That also included a quote from Flores talking about the impact that Pace could have.
"Ivan, he's a good young player, he's got some ability," Flores said. "There's always that small DB who can play, small linebacker, small defensive tackle, etc. etc. But they've got instincts, they've got ability that allows them to overcome some of the height or weight or whatever it is."
It's clear that this team believes in the talent of Pace.
As of right now, Jordan Hicks and Brian Asamoah are slated to start as the Vikings linebackers, with Ragatz comparing the latter to Pace, incidentally. If Pace can come out in the preseason, which opens for Minnesota against the Seahawks, and continue to stand out in front of the coaching staff, though, he'll start to become an undeniable player who Flores and Kevin O'Connell can't keep off the field.
NFL Rumors: Steelers newcomers Darnell Washington, Isaac Seumalo standing out
Whether it was to overhaul several position groups or just to upgrade them, the Pittsburgh Steelers were active this offseason in bringing in new faces. Through two weeks of training camp, several of those newcomers in the Steel City are looking like great investments for the club.
One of the big ones is third-round rookie tight end Darnell Washington. The behemoth out of Georgia was expected to be drafted much higher than he was, but that's now looking like a massive gift for the Steelers.
Most fans have heard the reports from training camp about Washington stonewalling all-world pass-rusher T.J. Watt on the edge as a blocker, but he's continued that level of overall dominance. Specifically, as noted by Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now, Washington is showing his potential already as a red-zone threat. When you pair that with his blocking ability, it's going to be impossible to keep this guy off of the field.
Washington isn't alone, though. Farabaugh also highlighted new guard Isaac Seumalo as not just a camp standout but an absolute leader in the trenches, calling the former Eagle an "anchor" on the offensive line.
In addition to that, linebacker Kwon Alexander, who was signed just at the start of camp, is making a name for himself quickly too. The veteran was named one of the 10 standouts so far for the Steelers by Noah Strackbein of SI's All Steelers with a note that, despite being behind Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts on the initial depth chart, should surely carve out a role for Alexander come the regular season.
