Alvin Kamara once told the media he'd retire to drink piña colada somewhere if the New Orleans Saints traded him. Fans never let that quote go as it was the ultimate statement of loyalty. He'd rather retire than put on another uniform. Unfortunately, Kamara didn't double down on the sentiment when given the chance in the face of uncertainty.
It isn't like this was some statement Kamara made years ago either. He said this ahead of last year's trade deadline. When asked if he still felt this way, Kamara said, "Right now, the plan is I’m still under contract here, so I’m a Saint. If anything happens, we’ll go from there." What a difference a few months makes.
Kamara went from proudly stating he would rather retire in the middle of the season to simply stating he's under contract. He didn't blatantly state he no longer feels that way, but he does seem to be considering it more than he did in October.
Sean Payton could take Alvin Kamara off the Saints' hands
If the Saints move on from Kamara, it'll be via trade. NFL insider Albert Breer gave his opinion on a potential move and destination earlier this week. "I believe Alvin Kamara wants to finish his career in New Orleans, as he’s said publicly. Also, I believe there’s a team out in Denver that would be interested if that’s not in the cards," Breer wrote.
This was prior to Kamara showing up at OTAs, but his more open attitude to playing elsewhere brings the notion in more focus. It's hard to find a place that makes more sense than the Broncos.
The Broncos give Kamara a chance to play in a Sean Payton system he's already familiar with. It also puts him on a team that was likely a Bo Nix injury in the AFC Championship game away from making it to the Super Bowl. They also have a need at the position, so Kamara would have a more prominent role with the Broncos.
There's other teams that need a running back, and Kamara could be a target for any of them. However, you'd think the Saints would want to do him a solid on the way out the door. There isn't a bigger solid the Saints could do than giving Kamara a chance to play with Payton again. Familiar coach, great team, open role. Check, check and check.
The Saints save much more money if they trade him opposed to cutting him. Per Over the Cap, releasing Kamara would save the Saints $376,000. That number climbs to $3,376,000 if they find a trade partner. It's not enough to make it a financial decision, but it's a $3 million jump in savings. Payton is also the exact coach who could call the Saints for Kamara's services.
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