The 2026 NFL Draft class isn’t looking too hot at the running back position and that could open the door for the New Orleans Saints to trade Alvin Kamara.One of the most respected draft gurus, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, is making the case that the trade market for veteran running backs could heat up after the draft if teams don’t find the solution they need at the position during the three-day event this week.“This draft is deep at Edge, WR & OL. However, this RB pool is incredibly shallow. Teams with some depth at the position should have a trade market for their vets,” Jeremiah said.This could be the perfect opportunity for the Saints to unload Kamara.Why Saints could trade Alvin KamaraSep 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Caesars Superdome.
Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesOne of the more surprising signings of the 2026 NFL offseason was the Saints adding Travis Etienne on a four-year, $48 million contract.That’s not to say New Orleans didn’t need to make a running back addition, but with guys like Kamara and Kendre Miller under contract, it was believed only a smaller signing or a draft pick at the position was coming.With the Saints now having a crowded top of the depth chart with Kamara and Etienne, New Orleans could look to unload the former, especially if Kamara is looking for a bigger role he won’t be getting with the Saints.Why Kamara trade could be difficultJul 30, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) looks on during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesOne potential issue with trading Kamara is he has said before that he would rather retire than play for another team.
“I just got to keep my head down,” Kamara said of a possible trade last year. “And I don’t know, if I was a GM, I guess I would go to the player and be like, ‘Hey, we’re trading you. Just so you know.’ So, if (Saints general manager) Mickey (Loomis) come downstairs and says that, then I’m going to go drink a piña colada somewhere.”If he doesn’t budge off that statement, New Orleans won’t be able to move him.Another potential issue is Kamara’s stock is at an all-time low.
Not only is he set to turn 31, but Kamara is coming off his worst season as a pro and has struggled with injury. That may deter teams from wanting to trade for him.Seahawks and Broncos could be suitorsDec 14, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton stands on the sidelines during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesThe Seattle Seahawks are a prime candidate to trade for Kamara if they don’t use a Day 1 or 2 pick at the position.Seattle lost Kenneth Walker in free agency and their expected starter, Zach Charbonnet, is coming off a torn ACL and it isn’t clear if he’ll be ready for Week 1.The Seahawks haven’t made any significant moves at the position in free agency.
The signing of Emanuel Wilson, a career backup, is hardly adequate to address their need.The Denver Broncos are also a team to watch.Granted, Denver is bringing back its 2025 duo of J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, but the former has struggled to stay healthy during his career and that was once again the case last season. Harvey also remains unproven as he enters his second season.Kamara has a strong connection to Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who he played under when Payton was leading New Orleans.Having an opportunity to play for one of the two Super Bowl contenders might be intriguing enough for Kamara to change his retirement stance.