Much was made about the news earlier this week of the New Orleans Saints possibly trading star running back Alvin Kamara. Kamara, 25, is due for a long-term deal with the NFC South franchise, and trading him could mitigate paying the Tennessee product big money.

However, according to longtime Saints head coach Sean Payton, Kamara is not expected to be anywhere else but New Orleans' roster come Week 1 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (per ESPN's Field Yates).

The Saints were reportedly fishing for at least first-round draft pick returns in suiting trades for Kamara, who has recorded more than 1,300 yards from scrimmage through three seasons in the NFL. Kamara was previously selected in the third round of the 2017 draft by the Saints and is a three-time Pro Bowler entering his fourth season with New Orleans.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

It was shocking to hear Kamara, the 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, could be traded by the Saints given how valuable the dual-threat playmaker out of the backfield is to the franchise's top-level offense, led by star quarterback Drew Brees under center.

For the time being, however, it looks as though Kamara and New Orleans will work out a long-term contract and, per Payton, the running back will be slated to rough up the Buccaneers' defense in Week 1 at home at the Mecerdes-Benz Superdome against the visiting division rival.