Despite a desire to retire in New Orleans, the star running back faces trade speculation as analysts weigh his declining production against his value as a deadline chip.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara wants to be a Saint for life. That's the sentiment that he seems to be championing this offseason and one that the Saints appeared willing to appease.
Kamara has been an exemplary player in addition to being one of the NFL's best talents over the course of his career in New Orleans. Still, to some it feels like his best football is behind him.
In spurts, Kamara is still one of the NFL's best running backs. The Saints hope he can be that when they call on him to handle more carries. Still, one NFL analyst believes that he could end up on a new team in the 2026 season by the trade deadline.
Athlon Sports' Neal Coolong discussed the possibility that the Saints could look to trade the still capable Kamara over the next few weeks. Here's some of what Coolong had to say about a potential trade of the New Orleans running back.
"Kamara is the franchise's all-time leading rusher and a five-time Pro Bowl pick, and at 31 he is playing on a one-year, $6 million contract he signed in July. He missed the opener with an MCL sprain and has 18 carries for 51 yards in two games since. His 54.0 overall grade from PFF ranks 44th among 46 qualified running backs.
His workload is about to grow. Travis Etienne Jr. went on injured reserve this week with a hamstring injury and will miss at least four games, and Saints coach Kellen Moore said of his backfield, 'I think Alvin and Kendre will handle that load really well.' That gives Kamara about a month of lead-back work before the deadline. Any deal would need his cooperation, though. Kamara told reporters last October that if the Saints tried to move him, 'I'll go drink a piña colada somewhere.'"
Sep 20, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) moves with the ball in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn ImagesTrading a player on a one-year contract doesn't hurt the Saints that much financially. In fact, it could help them gain a draft pick if a team in desperate need of a running back for a playoff run comes calling.
Saints fans would argue that New Orleans is still in the hunt for a playoff run of their own in a division in which they still sit in first place with a 1-2 record. Even so, when Etienne returns the Saints will be fine at running back.
The best outcome from a feel-good standpoint is that Kamara finishes his career with the Saints, and that they make a run with Kamara this season. Whether or not that happens is still to be seen.
We will continue to monitor what moves the Saints make as the trade deadline approaches.
