One of the NFL’s most puzzling offseason moves, or lack thereof, involves the New Orleans Saints and Alvin Kamara. The expectation has been that he will eventually be traded, yet the Saints have shown little urgency in making a move.
At this point, Kamara could understandably be frustrated, as it appears increasingly clear he is not part of the team’s long-term plans.
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Reports suggest that Saints insiders currently project Kamara as the backup running back behind newly signed Travis Etienne Jr. While the expectation is still that he will eventually be moved, that outlook only adds insult to injury at this stage. The Saints need to settle the situation by either trading him or releasing him.
Sep 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) scores a touchdown during the second quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
A trade remains the preferred option for New Orleans. Now that June 1 has passed, the team would save a little over $3 million in cap space by moving him. This compared to just over $300,000 if they release him. The holdup is difficult to understand—especially if teams have already shown interest.
Waiting for what compensation?
If the Saints believe they can secure a significant return for Kamara, that expectation is likely unrealistic. While he still has something left in the tank, he is 31 years old and saw his role significantly reduced in the offense last season, resulting in underwhelming production. Even so, he could still function as a productive starting running back for several teams.
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Several contenders could benefit from his services. The Buffalo Bills, for example, could pair Kamara with James Cook III to form a dynamic backfield duo. The Green Bay Packers could also explore a similar setup alongside Josh Jacobs, giving them valuable insurance if Jacobs faces injury or suspension.
Sep 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Regardless of where he might land, the Saints need to stop dragging this situation out. It has been clear for some time that Kamara is not in their plans for 2026 and beyond. This reality became evident as early as last season.
Ultimately, this remains an unusual situation with a straightforward resolution. The longer the Saints wait, the more puzzling their inaction becomes.