Jason Burgos
The momentum continues to move towards the New Orleans Saints trading Alvin Kamara this offseason, following a report on a potential Day 2 NFL Draft target.
Kamara will go down as one of the best running backs in Saints history. After being taken in the third-round of the 2017 NFL Draft, he immediately made an impact by earning offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl honors because of his elite talent as a dual-threat running back. He would follow that up with trips to the Pro Bowl the next four seasons.
However, in the four seasons since, injuries, multiple regime changes, and a messy QB situation after Drew Brees’ retirement have led to a substantial decline in his production. Unfortunately, he is being paid like a star player. It’s why there have been rumblings since this past season that Kamara could be put on the trade market.
This week, fuel was added to the trade speculation by Essentially Sports’ Tony Pauline. The NFL insiders claimed members of the front office attended the pro day for Arkansas draft prospects this week, and “The Saints are a team to watch, as people at the workout tell me they could draft Mike Washington Jr. in the second round, then trade or cut Alvin Kamara.”
Alvin Kamara trade could soon be a matter of when, not if
The interest in Washington Jr. comes just a few days after New Orleans made a notable splash in NFL free agency when they signed hometown product and Jacksonville Jaguars veteran Travis Etienne. The addition of the three-time 1,000-yard rusher quickly fanned the flames that Kamara’s time in Louisiana is nearing an end.
The fact that the organization is looking at adding another back with a premium pick in April makes it seem like a trade is a matter of when, not if. Washington Jr. had a breakout season for the Razorbacks after transferring from New Mexico State. He posted 1,070 yards and 8 touchdowns on the ground. However, he showed his versatility by adding 28 catches for 226 yards.
Kamara should draw some solid trade interest if he is put on the block because of his talent and the fact that he is in the final year of his contract.
