With Breece Hall potentially staying put, the Chargers look to a versatile veteran. Alvin Kamara offers explosive change-of-pace and receiving threats.
The NFL trade deadline is quickly approaching, with just over a week remaining for teams to decide whether they’ll be buyers or sellers, or even how aggressive they’ll be one way or another. The Los Angeles Chargers are expected to be searching the market as a buyer to bolster this already good team.
One team that many expect to be on the selling side is the New York Jets. Despite picking up their first win of the season over the Cincinnati Bengals this past weekend, the Jets’ outlook hasn’t changed much — they’re still likely to miss the playoffs barring a miracle.
For months, star running back Breece Hall has been one of the most discussed trade candidates in the league. Now in the final year of his contract, speculation has persisted that New York might move him to gain assets before he hits free agency. But Hall’s continued excellence may be shifting that narrative. He’s still young, still explosive and remains the centerpiece of the Jets’ offense. There’s growing belief that instead of trading him, the Jets could keep him as a foundational piece for the next phase of their rebuild.
If that happens, the Los Angeles Chargers — who have been exploring options to bolster their backfield following Najee Harris’ season-ending Achilles injury — might need to pivot. And the perfect pivot could be Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints.
Kamara may no longer be the player he once was in his prime, but the 30-year-old remains one of the league’s most versatile and dynamic dual-threat backs. He could complement rookie Omarion Hampton perfectly in Los Angeles. Hampton’s power-running style allows him to wear down defenses, while Kamara’s elusiveness, ability to operate in space, and skill as a receiver out of the backfield would give Justin Herbert another dangerous weapon. Together, they’d form a true one-two punch that could keep defenses guessing every snap.
Perhaps the biggest selling point for Kamara is cost of acquisition and availability. The Saints are not contenders, and Kamara’s workload has steadily declined. Over the past four weeks, he’s had only two games with double-digit carries and managed just six carries for 21 yards against Tampa Bay on Sunday. That declining usage, paired with New Orleans’ uncertain direction, could make him one of the more attainable backs on the trade market.
Breece Hall might be the more explosive name, but Kamara may be the more realistic target — and arguably the better fit for where the Chargers are right now. Los Angeles doesn’t need another bell-cow back. Hampton is ready for that role. What the Chargers need is a dynamic veteran who can be the change-of-pace option, contribute as a receiver, and add another layer to Jim Harbaugh’s offense.
Alvin Kamara checks every box, and if the price is right, this is a move that could elevate the Chargers’ offense even further as they continue their push toward an AFC West title.