New Orleans Saints Eye Alvin Kamra Trade Before 2026 Season

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis confirmed on May 24 that the franchise is actively exploring trade options for running back Alvin Kamara ahead of the 2026 campaign. The move follows a down, injury‑plagued season and the signing of veteran back Travis Etienne to a lucrative contract. Kamara, a 2017 third‑round pick out of Tennessee, has amassed 6,500 total yards and 75 touchdowns in his first eight seasons, but his 2025 production—just 718 scrimmage yards and a 0.03 EPA per play—has reignited doubts about his long‑term value.

With the trade window opening, the Saints have identified three suitors that could address their own depth concerns: the Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars. Loomis said the front office is “just trying to see how he’s going to fit on our roster,” underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Kamara’s role. Each club brings a distinct strategic angle: Washington hopes to pair Kamara with quarterback Sam Howell’s dual‑threat skill set; Denver seeks a veteran presence to mentor a young backfield anchored by Javonte Williams’ recovery; Jacksonville eyes a red‑zone specialist to complement Travis Etienne’s breakaway speed.

Recent History of the Kamara Situation

Alvin Kamara entered the 2025 season as a Pro Bowl staple, but a series of nagging injuries limited his production to under 800 scrimmage yards and a sub‑average EPA per play. A hamstring strain in Week 3, followed by a high‑ankle sprain in Week 8, forced him to miss 10 games, the longest absence of his career. The Saints responded by signing Etienne to a five‑year, $70 million deal, effectively reshaping the backfield hierarchy. Etienne, who rushed for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024, now commands a $14 million average annual salary, making him the highest‑paid running back on the roster.

The numbers reveal that Kamara’s yards per carry dropped 0.3 compared with his 2024 average (4.7 ypc vs. 5.0 ypc), and his catch‑rate fell from 42% to 31% on targets under 20 yards. Advanced metrics from Pro Football Focus show his pass‑blocking rating slid from 78.3 in 2024 to 65.1 in 2025, raising concerns about his fit in a scheme that emphasizes play‑action. The Saints’ offensive line, anchored by new left tackle Terron Armstead and rookie guard Jalen Mayfield, still allowed 44 sacks, the second‑most in the NFC, limiting Kamara’s effectiveness in the short‑yardage game.

New Orleans Saints now face a roster decision that could free up roughly $9 million in dead money while adding draft capital for a rebuild centered on quarterback Jameis Winston’s second year. Winston, drafted in the first round of 2024, posted a 3,200‑yard passing season with a 64.5 passer rating in 2025, but the offense stalled without a reliable ground attack, ranking 24th in rushing yards per game (102.4).

What the Trade Market Looks Like for the Saints?

According to Sporting News, the Commanders, Broncos and Jaguars each lack a reliable featured back and could benefit from Kamara’s play‑making ability. The Commanders, coming off a weak rushing attack that averaged just 87 yards per game in 2025, view Kamara as a potential catalyst for a more balanced offense. Denver, still rebuilding after a series of RB injuries—including a season‑ending ACL tear to Javonte Williams—sees him as a short‑term upgrade that could bridge the gap until their 2027 draft class matures. Jacksonville, whose ground game ranked near the bottom of the AFC South (93.2 yards per game), hopes Kamara can boost red‑zone efficiency and provide a veteran locker‑room presence.

Each club has floated preliminary compensation packages. Washington reportedly allocated a 2026 fourth‑round pick to entice the Saints and is willing to include a 2027 third‑rounder if the Saints agree to retain a portion of Kamara’s guaranteed roster bonus. Denver is prepared to offer a 2026 fifth‑round pick plus a conditional 2027 seventh‑rounder that escalates to a fourth‑rounder if Kamara exceeds 800 scrimmage yards. Jacksonville is exploring a package that pairs Kamara with a 2026 third‑round selection and a 2027 second‑round pick contingent on Kamara’s playing time.

Key Developments

• The Washington Commanders have reportedly allocated a 2026 fourth‑round pick to entice the Saints.
• Denver Broncos are prepared to include a 2026 fifth‑round pick and a conditional 2027 seventh‑rounder in the deal.
• Jacksonville Jaguars are exploring a package that pairs Kamara with a 2026 third‑round selection.
• Kamara’s contract includes a $5 million guaranteed roster bonus due in March 2026, a figure the Saints hope to offload.
• Etienne’s contract contains a $12 million signing bonus that accelerates against the cap in 2026, making a trade for Kamara financially attractive.

Strategic Implications for New Orleans

If a trade materializes, New Orleans could clear roughly $9 million in dead money while adding draft capital to fuel a rebuild centered on quarterback Jameis Winston’s second year. The front office will weigh the upside of retaining a high‑priced RB against the need to strengthen the offensive line and secondary in free agency. With $38 million in cap space projected for 2026 after Etienne’s bonus acceleration, the Saints could target a left‑tackle free agent such as David Bakhtiari (if he returns) or a defensive back like J.C. Jackson to shore up a secondary that allowed 27 passing touchdowns last season.

Loomis indicated that any decision will hinge on the offers’ cap implications and the willingness of suitor teams to part with picks that align with New Orleans’ draft strategy. The Saints have historically leveraged draft assets to rebuild quickly; their 2022 class (including cornerback Patrick Queen and safety Julian Blackmon) produced three Pro Bowlers within two seasons, a track record that gives Loomis leeway to move a high‑cost player like Kamara.

From a coaching perspective, head coach Dennis Allen’s offensive scheme emphasizes zone‑run concepts that require a back who can both cut inside and protect the quarterback on pass plays. Kamara’s recent decline in pass‑blocking grades makes him a less ideal fit, whereas Etienne’s size (6’1”, 225 lb) aligns more closely with Allen’s power‑run philosophy. A trade would also give Allen the flexibility to redesign the backfield around a single feature back, simplifying play‑calling and potentially improving third‑down conversion rates, which sat at 31.2% in 2025.

Historical Comparisons

The Saints have navigated similar crossroads before. In 2017, after a disappointing run from Mark Ingram, the franchise traded for Alvin Kamara’s predecessor, running back Adrian Peterson, only to release him a year later and double‑down on a younger talent pool. More recently, in 2020, the team swapped a veteran back (Derrick Coleman) for a third‑round pick that became future Pro Bowl tight end Adam Trautman. Those moves illustrate a pattern: when a high‑profile back underperforms relative to cap hit, the Saints are willing to absorb short‑term loss for long‑term draft capital.

What’s Next for the Saints?

The next two weeks will be critical. Loomis has scheduled a series of meetings with Washington, Denver and Jacksonville to fine‑tune the compensation structure. Simultaneously, the Saints’ scouting department is evaluating the 2026 draft board, with particular interest in offensive linemen from Alabama and defensive ends from Ohio State, both projected to be available in the third round. If a trade is concluded before the league’s July 22 trade deadline, New Orleans will retain the flexibility to add those prospects without jeopardizing the cap.

Should the trade fall through, the Saints could either retain Kamara as a complementary piece to Etienne—using him in goal‑line situations where his 5.9 yards per carry in the red zone remains elite—or look to release him, absorbing the $9 million dead money but freeing the roster spot for a younger, cost‑controlled back such as former LSU standout Tyjae Spears, who is scheduled to visit the team next month.

Regardless of the outcome, the decision will set the tone for a franchise that aims to transition from a post‑Drew Brees era to a new identity anchored by a young quarterback, a revamped offensive line, and a defense that can keep games close while the offense regroups.