The New Orleans Saints defensive line got a little deeper Thursday night after the team agreed to terms with former Cincinnati Bengals second-round pick Margus Hunt, as first reported by Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle and confirmed by Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Hunt last played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2019, appearing in 450 snaps during 16 games. Poor performance saw him demoted to a backup role just a few weeks into the season.
It was a disappointing setback for Hunt, who previously broke out in 2018 with 13 quarterback pressures — including a career-high five sacks. While he’s a fine addition to just about any defensive line rotation you’ll find around the league, he’ll hardly be competing for a starting job in New Orleans.
And that’s just fine. The Saints have a number of quality linemen ranging from former first-round picks like Cameron Jordan, Marcus Davenport, Sheldon Rankins, and Malcom Brown, as well as homegrown talents including David Onyemata, Shy Tuttle, Taylor Stallworth, and Texas Longhorns undrafted rookie Malcolm Roach. Adding Hunt to the mix promises plenty of competition at every level of the depth chart.
Hunt rose to prominence after a huge combine performance back in 2013, having timed the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.6 seconds flat while putting up a position-best 38 reps on the bench press. Even more impressive is that he did so after weighing in at 6-foot-8 and 277 pounds, with 33 3/4-inch arms, presenting a uniquely gifted athlete even by NFL standards.
While the Bengals and Colts weren’t able to make the most of Hunt’s potential, he has to like his chances once he gets to work with widely-respected Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen. Nielsen has done a terrific job taking athletes and refining their fundamentals, so it’s possible that the 32-year-old Hunt might shake back under his guidance.
Where he’ll line up exactly is a mystery. Hunt has the build to anchor the edge in the NFL as a strong side defensive end like Jordan, but he’s played his best football so far lined up head-over-guard as more of an interior lineman. Whatever the case, the Saints offseason roster has now filled 89 of its 90 slots. Who will New Orleans acquire to round out the group?
