The Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders are two teams that should be keenly eyeing upgrades at the running back position as they gear up for the upcoming season.
The Commanders' backfield situation remains largely uninspiring this offseason. Their roster includes the relatively untested Jacory Croskey-Merritt, along with Rachaad White and Jerome Ford, both of whom have spent much of their careers as backups. It's a lineup that doesn't exactly strike fear into opponents.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks face their own challenges. After letting Kenneth Walker walk in free agency, they're left with uncertainty around Zach Charbonnet, who is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the playoffs. They've brought in Emanuel Wilson, a career backup, and George Holani, another unproven option, but neither has yet demonstrated the ability to carry the load.
Enter Alvin Kamara, a name both teams should have on their radar. The New Orleans Saints' standout running back is reportedly a candidate for release, as noted by Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox. Kamara's recent performance dipped, with a career-low average of 3.6 yards per carry last season before an MCL sprain ended his year.
The Saints have already moved to secure their backfield future by signing Travis Etienne Jr. to a substantial four-year, $47.4 million deal. This investment suggests Etienne is set to take the lead role, leaving Kamara's future with the team in doubt.
A post-June 1 trade or release could be on the horizon for Kamara, with a trade being the more financially savvy option for the Saints. While Kamara might not be the same explosive force he once was, his dual-threat capability as both a runner and receiver makes him a valuable asset in a shared backfield.
For the Commanders and Seahawks, Kamara would represent a significant upgrade over their current options, potentially stepping into a more prominent role than he would have in New Orleans. Given their current uncertainties, it would be wise for both teams to consider a trade for the veteran back.