After signing RB Travis Etienne to a four-year deal this offseason, it raises questions about what the future holds for current starting veteran Alvin Kamara with the New Orleans Saints. Kamara has made it known earlier this offseason that he would rather retire than play anywhere else. While he wants to stay, the Saints probably don’t feel the same way, which could lead to a trade at some point this year. The five-time Pro Bowler is coming off a season where he recorded just 131 carries for 471 yards and one touchdown, paired with 33 receptions for 186 yards across 11 total appearances in 2025.
The veteran missed the remaining matchups due to a MCL sprain he suffered in Week 12 of that year. Alvin Kamara is no longer the same exciting running back he once was, which is why the Saints are preparing to move on. After being quiet this offseason, he broke his silence on what signing Etienne meant for New Orleans:
“I watched [Etienne] in Jacksonville these past couple of years,” he said on “The Set” podcast with Terron Armstead. “He’s explosive, he hit home runs. He did it in college. Strong dude, seems smart. I’m excited to see what we can do together.”
Alvin Kamara
Main Photo: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Saints, Alvin Kamara Reportedly in “Bizarre” Place – Trade Seems Inevitable
Excitement On One Side
Kamara seems excited to pair with Etienne this upcoming season, but it’s been too quiet from the Saints. Several years ago, in his prime, Kamara teamed with Mark Ingram as a 1-2 punch, so he’s hoping that could be the case for this season. Unfortunately for him, the team signed Etienne to a long-term four-year deal, so if Etienne blows up, Kamara could become frustrated during the season and request a trade.
It’s just business for the Saints as the team is finally rebuilding under the Tyler Shough-Kellen Moore era.
Potential Next Teams
Chicago Bears
Alvin Kamara joining the Bears would be like a homecoming for QB Caleb Williams. The Bears’ offense was nearly perfect between its receivers and tight ends, but it couldn’t compensate for its abysmal run game. D’Andre Swift has been linked to several cut and trade rumors since last year, and the team might finally move on. Even though Kyle Monangai looks promising, Kamara is obviously the No. 1 back for this run offense.
Despite being forced to trade game-changer DJ Moore, the Bears could electrify this offense by trading for Kamara before the 2026 season.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Ravens lost Keaton Mitchell after failing to negotiate a contract this offseason, but they still have Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. While they’re looking for a third dynamic receiver to help Zay Flowers in the slot, the Ravens can’t ignore upgrading the RB room. Henry hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, but why not get Kamara a part of that unit to lessen the load?
Denver Broncos
The most obvious destination for Alvin Kamara. The Broncos head coach Sean Payton has history with the running back, and could make a similar trade as he did for Jaylen Waddle earlier this offseason. It won’t be for two first-round picks, but it’d probably be an offer that the Saints can’t turn down.