It’s time to trade Alvin Kamara

Breathe in slowly New Orleans Saints fans. Hold it for about one second and then slowly exhale…it’s over.

The consistent great play in the regular season, the protracted runs in the playoffs, and the overwhelming expectations of bringing home a Lombardi will now be a thing of the past. At least for now.

The Saints are in an uncomfortable and uncommon position. The first domino to fall was that of quarterback Drew Brees in 2020. Once he threw down his helmet, ripped off his Saints uniform, and threw on his suit and tie to become an on-air commentator, the Saints were in trouble. In their first season without him, the franchise was all over the quarterback map. With four different signal-callers making a start at some point during the season, the most in the NFL, they struggled in the passing game. In fact, struggling would be putting it kindly as they ranked dead last in passing yards per game with 187.4.

Of course, everything can change with the signature of one great quarterback in the offseason. But will the Saints get one? Doubtful. So, with no one of note seemingly making their way to New Orleans, the franchise should wipe their tears and deal all-world running back Alvin Kamara.

Alvin Kamara is still great but too valuable to not be traded

Much like every other year of his career, Kamara was used in every way possible on the field. From pass-catching situations to rushing the ball out of the backfield, the Saints did whatever they could to get him the rock. As a result, Kamara was named to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl, thanks to 898 rushing yards and 439 receiving. Kamara is the perfect player to get a team over the championship hump. New Orleans would be better off shipping him away and receiving the draft capital they need in order to start from scratch.

On paper, Kamara’s current deal wouldn’t be considered a burden on any franchise. The do it all back is signed through 2025 and will make $14.5 million in 2022, $14 million in 2023, $14.8 million in 2024, and $25 million in 2025. By the time the 26-year-old reaches that final year, it’ll likely be restructured.

Nothing is going right for the Saints. Not only are they in quarterback hell but with Michael Thomas seemingly indifferent about the franchise and Sean Payton stepping down from his coaching duties, they face an arduous rebuild. To help speed up that painful process, however, the Saints could trade Kamara. It’s the right thing to do, no matter how painful it is.