Seeking to improve the roster’s depth, the Minnesota Vikings are set to become the third team to meet with Pro Bowl running back Kareem Hunt. According to Tom Pelissero, Hunt will be touching down at team headquarters in Eagan on Friday.

Hunt’s visit comes just hours after the Vikings played their first preseason game of the 2023 season, with Kene Nwangwu unable to participate due to injury. But Nwangwu’s absence opened the door for backups Ty Chandler, rookie DeWayne McBride, and Abram Smith to see more snaps.

Evidently, the Vikings’ front office wants to see what the 28-year-old Hunt offers. They’re the third team to bring the former Chiefs and Browns running back in for a visit after the Saints and Colts both put Hunt through a workout in the past week.

Hunt peaked in his rookie season with the Chiefs, racking up 1,327 rushing yards and 53 receptions for 455 receiving yards while making the Pro Bowl. His second season was derailed by off-field problems after a video of Hunt committing assault came to light, causing his release from the Chiefs.

Later, he joined the Browns in 2019 before facing an eight-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Hunt’s days as a lead back were done, but he’d still prove capable as a second option to Nick Chubb, often seeing action on third downs and obvious passing situations.

Like former Viking Dalvin Cook, Hunt’s production tailed off last season, posting a career-worst 3.8 yards per carry. However, he has six years of NFL experience and has proven to be a capable backup in pass-catching situations while still being able to move the chains as a rusher.

The Vikings have brought in a couple of other notable veterans, such as offensive guard Dalton Risner and cornerback Ronald Darby for workouts this month. Both left without a contract. This could be a classic example of the front office doing their due diligence on some of the top free agents available in case more injuries strike. Or, maybe the Vikings are looking at Hunt as an immediate solution to improving the depth in the backfield as they seek more answers following Cook’s departure.