James Hurst looking forward to joining Saints “fun” o-line

75756A5E-120A-4932-810C-2FD980DB785E

Despite being suspended for the first four game of the 2020 season, the Saints signed veteran James Hurst to a one year deal for veteran depth along the offensive line.   

“So many great players, such great history and pedigree,” said Hurst about choosing to come to New Orleans. “Coach Payton has been so successful; so much creativity has come out of his system.  Just seeing what they've been able to do and seeing how I could fit into that; it's exciting to have an opportunity to play on such a successful team.”

Hurst first joined the NFL with another successful program.  The Baltimore Ravens brought him in after going undrafted out of South Carolina in 2014. 

The 28-year-old became a key piece to their o-line, playing in 90 career games with 44 starts.  He was released following the news of his suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Hurst is lucky though to go from one Super Bowl contender to another, and gets the opportunity to play for one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.  

“You just see how well they play,” Hurst said. “So much talent individually, but also as a unit you can see on the film that their communication is excellent. And that is so important as an offensive lineman. So, obviously from a coaching standpoint, you know, that's instilled in those guys and those guys go out on Sundays and put it together. It's fun to see on film, it's fun to watch them.”

Agent for NFL OT./OG. James Hurst says he has agreed to a contract w/the @SaintsHas started-44 games at both left guard & left tackle for Balt. Ravens.NFL suspended him for first 4 games of 2020 season due to violating performance-enhancement policy.2014 draft profile below pic.twitter.com/0MzW2qBlwN

— Michael Detillier (@MikeDetillier) May 27, 2020

Hurst has played tackle and guard in his 6 year career, mostly at tackle though. If he makes the roster, that versatility would be a major asset for a unit that gets banged and bruised every single play.  

Whatever they need, that's what I'm going to be,” said Hurst on where he sees himself lining up. “Whatever my role is week to week. I'm going to embrace it and give it everything I got. I just love playing, I want a chance to play and they gave me that.”