The offensive line is the New Orleans Saints’ main need heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, and on Wednesday, a day before the draft began, that need became even more acute. James Hurst, a veteran offensive lineman, announced his retirement on Instagram.

Hurst, 32, is coming off his tenth season and announced his plans in a lengthy post. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play this game and credited his faith with allowing him to thrive as both a player and a person. He went on to compliment his wife, stating that his career would have ended much sooner without her assistance. He concluded his appreciation to her by expressing his excitement for their future chapter as new parents.

James Hurst, a Saints lineman, has announced his retirement.
Hurst also thanked his family, coaches, and teammates. He concluded his message by thanking football for everything it has done for him, including teaching him life lessons, exposing him to close friends, and presenting him with wonderful experiences.

It’s the end of a successful career for a player who went undrafted in 2014. Despite not being picked, James Hurst played six seasons for the Baltimore Ravens and four with the New Orleans Saints. In his career, he appeared in 150 games, starting 95. This includes the 15 games he started for the Saints last year.

New Orleans must now decide out how to move on without Hurst. The only returning starting offensive linemen on the roster are Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, and Ryan Ramczyk, who is suffering with a knee injury that could keep him out for a while. The Saints were always projected to choose a tackle in the first round, and that now appears to be a sure.