The New Orleans Saints are once again in the worst salary cap position in the NFL heading into the 2023 off-season. That could lead to some veterans getting moved to help alleviate their money concerns, including running back Alvin Kamara.
2022 was better for Alvin Kamara than 2021, but that isn’t saying too much. New Orleans has struggled mightily to get the run game going the last two seasons as teams don’t respect their passing game. As a result, production was tough to come by for the five-time Pro Bowler.
With only one season of guaranteed money left on his contract, Alvin Kamara could be a prime trade candidate this off-season. New Orleans needs to get their salary cap situation in check and he was a player that garnered some trade attention ahead of the deadline this past season.
Where could he end up should he be traded? Here are three teams who should consider making a deal for Alvin Kamara.
Ahead of the 2022 trade deadline, the Buffalo Bills got in on the Christian McCaffrey sweepstakes. They fell short in that pursuit as McCaffrey was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, while Buffalo ended up acquiring Nyheim Hines from the Indianapolis Colts.
Hines is a candidate to be cut as the Bills have a rough roster and salary cap situation to navigate this offseason. Devin Singletary is also a free agent, leaving the team thin in the backfield. If they can work out the financials, Alvin Kamara would make for a perfect trade target.
Kamara would provide the team with a dual threat out of the backfield. Establishing the run has at some points been a challenge for the Bills, but that would change with Kamar in the mix. He and James Cook would make for a dynamic duo at the running back position.
There isn’t a team in the NFL that needs help at the running back position more than the Miami Dolphins this offseason. In 2022, there were five different players listed as a running back that took snaps for the Dolphins; none of the five are under contract for 2023.
Chase Edmonds was traded to the Denver Broncos while Jeff Wilson Jr., Raheem Mostert, Salvon Ahmed and Myles Gaskin are all free agents. Looking to take some pressure off of Tua Tagovailoa and the passing game, the Dolphins need to upgrade at running back.
Alvin Kamara would be a perfect fit for this offense given his skill set as a pass catcher. But, after ranking 25th in the league in rushing in 2022 and 31st in attempts, Kamara would be most useful as a reliable source of production on the ground. After making splashes to upgrade the passing game, it is time for Miami to give the running game some attention.
Ahead of the 2022 trade deadline, the Philadelphia Eagles were the one team that was engaged the most with the New Orleans Saints in Alvin Kamara trade talks. On their way to the Super Bowl, they ended up not needing him this season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try and pursue him again in the offseason.
Miles Sanders and Boston Scott are both set to hit free agency, meaning there could be a void in the Eagles’ backfield. Kenneth Gainwell is the only player currently signed for next season so the team could use an addition if they lose Sanders or Scott.
Even with those two on the roster the Eagles checked in on acquiring Alvin Kamara, so their status may not matter much. Given the extra draft capital that they have built up, they can meet the Saints’ asking price, whatever it may be.
