Grade the Trade: This Panthers-Alvin Kamara trade would be hilarious

By now, we all know what's transpired from the New Orleans Saints' final day of mandatory minicamp just a few days ago.

Running back Alvin Kamara wants a new deal. And, it's unlikely the team is going to give it to him, considering the fact that he'll count a total of $47.5 milliion against the cap between 2024 and 2025 combined (assuming he stays in New Orleans next season).

At this stage, it might be best if the Saints move on. How do they do it? Well, it will likely be a painful cut or trade. Should the Saints pursue a trade, might a division rival come calling?

The Carolina Panthers are a team in need of more playmakers surrounding second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Adding Kamara would be more than just adding a running back, but giving Young a weapon in the receiving game.

How would a trade look?

This potential trade lands Alvin Kamara in Carolina, while the Saints' future looks brighter

First of all, the Panthers aren't a threat. That reason, alone, is why a deal with Carolina would work out in New Orleans' favor. It doesn't matter what Kamara does on the field, the Panthers still have a ways to go.

Secondly, New Orleans gets out of that contract and it is now Carolina's problem to sort out. If the Panthers traded for Kamara, chances are, they'd negotiate a bit more money for the veteran, as he's wished for.

And third, adding Kamara would only muddy the waters in the back field. Carolina drafted Jonathan Brooks to be 'the guy,' and the MIles Sanders experiment has failed miserably. Chuba Hubbard is still around, but who knows what his role would be, then, if any. The position gets extremely complication, but the bottom line for Carolina, is that they've given Bryce Young a trusted veteran to help with his development.

In the end, though, it would all amass to nothing for the Panthers in 2024. Even if Young takes a step forward and is assisted by the talent of Kamara, that Carolina roster has a long way to go before it's going to compete for anything substantial.

Meanwhile, the Saints get a draft pick, a 2021 second-round pick at a position of need in Terrace Marshall, $11.6 million off the books in 2024 and $25 million freed up in 2025. You can't beat that, especially when the Saints are widely-viewed as a puzzling team when it comes to finances, and that's putting things gently.

As for what the Saints do at running back? Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller will suffice for the time being. Remember, this is a position that can be figured out in a matter of moments. It's a position that teams are finding easier and easier to fill, therefore Saints fans should be less than worried.

Grade: A