The New Orleans Saints are a team that many people are keeping an eye on ahead of the October 31st trade deadline. With a record of 3-4, they are still alive for a playoff spot in the NFC, but there is a chance they will become sellers.
Their matchup on the road against the Indianapolis Colts next week will go a long way in determining which route they take. Another loss to drop them to 3-5 and their plans could change drastically. But, with both matchups against the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons still on the schedule, the chance to climb the standings exists.
If the Saints will be sellers, one name to keep an eye on is running back Alvin Kamara. According to a former NFC executive who spoke to NFL Analysis Network, the five-time Pro Bowler is someone teams around the league are showing interest in.
“The Saints are still undecided on what to do ahead of the trade deadline. However, teams are calling about Alvin Kamara. If they decide to sell, they will have a few aggressive offers on the table for him.”
While he is under contract through 2025, Kamara could be viewed as someone on an expiring deal. There are zero guaranteed dollars remaining on his contract and if he is designated as a post-June 1st cut next year, the team can save $11.8 million. If they wait until 2025, that number jumps to $25 million.
Since serving his three-game suspension to start the season, the Saints have gone only 1-3 with Kamara in the lineup. He has not been very effective running the ball, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry and seeing some of his elusiveness stats drop again. But, he has been a major factor in the team’s passing game.
Kamar has caught 35 passes in four games on an absurd 39 targets. Derek Carr is a checkdown machine and Kamara is benefitting greatly, turning those receptions into 177 yards. His dual-threat ability should be able to net the Saints a solid return on the trade market should they move him.
This is the second consecutive year that Kamara’s name has come up in trade talks leading up to the deadline. The Saints opted against making a deal centered around him last season, but with Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller in the mix this year, moving him would be a lot easier to stomach this time around.
