Alvin Kamara’s name popping up in offseason trade chatter might raise a few eyebrows, but let’s pump the brakes before we start photoshopping him into another jersey. On paper, sure - a veteran running back with declining efficiency metrics and a sizable contract could be seen as a logical trade candidate.
But in reality? A Kamara trade feels more like offseason noise than a legitimate possibility.
Let’s start with the numbers, because they do tell part of the story. Kamara’s production has taken a step back in recent years, and the analytics back that up.
Last season, he posted a career-low 51.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, with a 61.0 rushing grade. He lost three fumbles and managed just 10 runs of 10-plus yards - a far cry from the explosive playmaker who once terrorized defenses in space.
His efficiency in the passing game also slipped, with his yards per route run dropping from 1.75 to 0.78.
But context matters, and the numbers don’t tell the whole tale.
Despite the statistical dip, Kamara still found ways to contribute. In 2024, he posted a career-high in rushing yards - a reminder that while the burst might not be what it once was, the vision, patience, and experience are still very much intact.
Even last season, while dealing with injuries, he racked up over 600 scrimmage yards. He’s no longer the guy you build your offense around, but he’s more than capable of being a complementary piece who can still move the chains and keep defenses honest.
And then there’s the leadership factor - something that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet but matters just as much inside the building. Kamara is a team captain, a respected voice in the locker room, and a mentor to the younger backs in the room.
Whether it’s Devin Neal or a rookie the Saints bring in through the draft, having someone like Kamara in the room to set the tone and lead by example is invaluable. You don’t just trade that away unless you’re hitting the reset button completely - and New Orleans isn’t there.
Plus, Kamara has made it clear: he wants to be in New Orleans. When his name surfaced around the trade deadline, he didn’t waver.
He’s committed to the Saints, and that mutual loyalty still holds weight in today’s NFL. There’s something to be said for a player who wants to finish his career where it started, especially one who’s meant as much to the franchise as Kamara has.
So while it’s easy to toss his name into the offseason rumor mill, the reality is this: Alvin Kamara still has value - not just as a player, but as a leader and culture-setter. The Saints know that. And unless something drastic changes, don’t expect to see Kamara suiting up for anyone else anytime soon.