New Orleans Saints Starter Suddenly Announces Retirement Amid Trade Rumors

According to a post on James Hurst’s Instagram page, the 32-year-old veteran is retiring from the NFL:

Every year playing this sport has been a blessing from God. Football, and the people around it, have played a huge part in shaping me into the man I am today. Twenty-Four of my Thirty-Two years of life have been spent training for and playing this game and retiring will be a huge, yet exciting, change in my life.

He thanked his prior coaches on the Ravens and Saints:

Next, to all of my coaches and the teams I played for. A huge thank you to both the Ravens and Saints organizations for giving me a chance to pursue my dream in the NFL. Thank you for your time in shaping me into the man and player I became. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized the incredible amount of sacrifice you’ve made for myself and all of my teammates.

The New Orleans Saints lose a starting offensive lineman

The Baltimore Ravens signed Hust as an undrafted free agent following the 2014 NFL Draft. The North Carolina standout played for the Ravens through the 2019 season. He signed with the Saints before the 2020 season.

Hurst appeared in 150 games in his ten-year NFL career. He started in 51 games during his four years with the Saints, including 15 for the 2023 season. The Saints have been rumored to be thinking about trading up to land an offensive lineman. That makes sense, given the fact they’re losing a key piece for 2024.