New Orleans Saints offensive lineman James Hurst, who split 15 starts last season between left and right guard and left tackle, announced his retirement Wednesday on social media.

The versatile Hurst, 32, was an undrafted free agent out of the University of North Carolina who played for the Baltimore Ravens (2014-2019) and Saints (2020-23). He started 44 of 90 games for the Ravens, and 51 of 60 games for the Saints.

“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 wrote on Instagram.

“Thank you for the laughs and the memories,” he wrote to teammates. “Thank you for your effort and risking your bodies alongside me because I can’t talk football without recognizing the dangers of the sport and the sacrifices that each of you make. You gave everything to help accomplish our mutual goals and I hope that you all felt the same of me. Many of you became some of my best friends off the field and I’ll always cherish our time together.”

In his final season, 13 of Hurst’s 15 starts were at left guard.

–Field Level Media

The New Orleans Saints announced Monday that they have reached agreement with offensive lineman James Hurst on a three-year deal worth a reported $9 million.

Hurst, 29, appeared in 12 games and made five starts with the Saints in 2020. He spent his first six seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, starting 44 of 90 games.

The Ravens signed Hurst as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina in 2014.

Hurst allows the Saints to retain an experienced swing tackle and interior line option. He started at three positions for New Orleans last season, including twice at left tackle, once at left guard and twice as an extra lineman in jumbo formations.

–Field Level Media