Saints Weighing Options As Kamara’s Future Hangs In Balance

The New Orleans Saints are facing a harsh reality regarding the future of their legendary running back Alvin Kamara. When the franchise signed Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency there were instantly two feelings for the offensive backfield options...either the Saints are about to have a diabolical running tandem, or the Saints are about to drop Kamara.

Kamara currently carries a massive salary cap hit that forces the front office to strongly consider releasing him. But an outright release might not be the final answer for the Kamara question.

Evaluating Potential Trade Markets For The Veteran

Moving a running back with a heavy contract is a difficult task in the modern professional football landscape. The front office is carefully weighing multiple paths regarding how to handle this specific roster situation. Which might just be a trade.

Finding a suitable trade partner in the NFL requires another team willing to absorb significant financial commitments...which few teams may want to take on that monetary risk right now. But we shouldn't pretend like it can't happen.

Think about major moves franchises have previously made for players like Kamara. The Seattle Seahawks secured a Super Bowl by trading the Buffalo Bills for Marshawn Lynch. LeSean McCoy made the Buffalo Bills into a serious offensive threat when the Philadelphia Eagles traded him there. Or what about the type of team the San Francisco 49ers are when Christian McCaffrey is on the field for them? They don't have that attack if the Carolina Panthers don't trade him west.

Don't overlook a trade in this scenario. This option will likely be influenced by what other teams are planning to do with the NFL Draft.

The Possibility Of A Contract Restructure For Kamara

There is still a narrow path where Kamara remains with the only professional team he has ever known. This scenario entirely depends on his willingness to accept a substantial pay cut to stay with the franchise.

Restructuring his current deal would provide the organization with the necessary salary cap relief to build a competitive roster...it is the most logical compromise for both parties. If an agreement cannot be reached on a reduced salary, the formal release process, or a trade proposal sweepstakes, will likely begin immediately.