Andrew Buller-Russ
The writing is on the wall for Alvin Kamara with the New Orleans Saints. It has been since March, when the team signed 27-year-old running back Travis Etienne to a four-year, $48 million contract. Kamara, who’s set to turn 31 in July, played in just 11 games last season, marking the first time he recorded fewer than 1,000 all-purpose yards in his seven-year career.
The Saints can save just over $13.9 million (but incur a $24.3M dead cap charge) if they decide to cut Kamara from the roster. If they wait until after June 1, the Saints save just over $300K, but suffer a dead cap charge of just $10 million. There’s always the chance that a team is willing to trade for the remainder of Kamara’s contract, which carries a cap number of $10.4 million, a rate that’s likely a bit too rich for a team already paying Etienne so much.
On Monday, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis admitted that the team is still “trying to see how Kamara fits on our roster.” That’s a loud message to opposing teams, signalling that the five-time Pro Bowl running back who’s quite adept at catching passes out of the backfield, is available via trade. Let’s look at which teams could make sense for Kamara.
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Jacksonville Jaguars
It could be awkward, with Kamara essentially heading to Jacksonville to replace the man who replaced him in New Orleans. Yet, it could also be the perfect fit. The Jaguars’ presumed starter, Bhayshul Tuten, caught just 10 passes last season. There’s no guarantee he’s ready for a full workload, but having a nine-year veteran like Kamara in the backfield could work wonders for Liam Coen’s team.
Green Bay Packers
Josh Jacobs is the workhorse in Green Bay, but the Packers also often relied on Emanuel Wilson for a career-hugh 140 touches last season. But Wilson is gone now, and if there’s one area that Jacobs could improve on, it’s as a pass-catcher, which is an area Kamara excels in. He may be the perfect spellback for Matt LaFleur’s system.
Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry is one of the NFL’s best running backs. He’s a wrecking ball who always seems to fall forward, and is an excellent choice near the goal line. But when it comes to speed and agility, or even moving the chains as a pass-catcher, there’s room for another playmaker in Baltimore’s backfield. That’s an area where Kamara could fit in perfectly.
Dallas Cowboys
Always chasing big-name playmakers, the Cowboys could be an ideal fit for Kamara as the backup to Javonte Williams. Plus, there’s a chance that Kamara is approaching the 2026 season with a huge chip on his shoulders after a down season last year. If so, the Cowboys could be getting a motivated star, much like they benefited from last season with George Pickens.
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