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The contract situation of New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara adds another story to what has already been a wild offseason. Though the title already suggests that he should be traded away, his immense contributions to the dominant Saints offense was simply undeniable.
Kamara was able to get his fair share of touches in a loaded offense by way of the efficient distribution of quarterback Drew Brees. His solid ground game also proved to complement the offensive schemes that head coach Sean Payton is preaching.
Despite the undeniable talent, the former Tennessee Volunteer had a rough outing in the 2019 season. He battled ankle and knee injuries in Week 6 of last season which sidelined him for two games. He is also coming off his worst campaign in the league where he failed to eclipse 1,500 all-purpose yards for the first time in his career.
Alvin Kamara was still able to snag his third Pro Bowl appearance amidst the adversity he encountered last season. However, he won't have that much leverage in contract talks since he is coming off an injury-riddled season coupled with low productivity. This makes the Saints doubt if he is indeed worth to be paid with the same paycheck as Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey.
In addition, his high asking price won't likely be accommodated since the Saints are projected to be $37.7 million over the cap next season. With multiple weapons on their roster, the front office will also have to re-structure the other deals in order to fit his lucrative price tag within the team's salary cap. The only way this will work is for Kamara to agree with the estimated $12 million annual salaries that the Saints are willing to pay him.
With the way things are looking, the best decision for the Saints is to trade the Georgia native while he is still a hot commodity on the market. The team was reportedly asking a first-round pick in exchange for the running back and they might be able to get it if they start to aggressively shop him as early as now.
At age 25, Kamara still has RB1 written all over him which makes him an attractive option for teams who are looking for an offensive boost. The depleted New England Patriots, rebuilding Los Angeles Rams, and the undermanned San Francisco 49ers are all potential landing spots for the four-year veteran.
In the event that Alvin Kamara will be traded away, the Saints still have 2015 Pro Bowl running back Latavius Murray ready to ease in the starting rotation. He is more than capable to assume a bigger role with the Saints similar to the one he had with the Minnesota Vikings back in 2018.
Kamara can still call New Orleans home if only he will be willing to lower his asking price. Nonetheless, he should be wary of his current situation, or else he is bound to be Le'Veon Bell 2.0. The former Pittsburgh Steeler was already having a would-be Hall of Fame career until money talks entered the picture.
Bell's progression went to a downward spiral when he relocated to another team. The New York Jets may be willing to pay him big time but the team is nowhere fit for his playing style. Having a similar fate can still be avoided if Kamara will opt to change his mind and lower his demands as early as possible.
His future with the Saints remains to be determined and we can only wait and see the events that will transpire in the coming days. The only certainty is that the Saints will be going with the move that gives them the best chance to succeed and allows them to be financially stable beyond the 2020 season.
