Five-time Pro Bowler running back Alvin Kamara skips final minicamp practice and could seek a trade this summer. According to a report, the star was at the walkthrough for the team but didn’t participate in the rest of practice as head coach Dennis Allen did not share a reason. However, many reports are stating that it could be concerning contract negotiations but there hasn’t been much progress in those talks. Kamara has two more years remaining on his current deal after signing a five-year extension in 2020.
The Saints may now have to worry about extending Kamara before the upcoming season. Many talks have been seeing NFL athletes across the league holding out from minicamps until they receive a new deal. Kamara joins a list of Brandon Aiyuk, CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper so he seems to be the first running back to do so. However, he’s coming off one of the worst seasons last year statically, rushing for 694 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games.
The Tennessee product has been one of the better running backs in the league, entering the scene with 1,554 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns in 2017. Kamara led the NFL in touchdowns in 2020 with 21 but hasn’t been seeing much of the endzone in the last three years. The Saints could be hesitating on giving him a new contract because of his lack of production so they could look to get something in return for him. It’ll be logical for Dennis Allen to trade him if they’re looking to before his value dwindles.
However, he doesn’t have any desire to trade Kamara but things always trade. Allen is already on the hot seat so he’s counting on veteran Jamaal Williams and second-year Kendre Miller as their top two options.
Five-Time Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara Skips Minicamp, Could Seek Trade
Potential Trade Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys may be bringing back Ezekiel Elliott to their running back corps but it doesn’t mean he’s the same. If this is the “all in” move they were talking about this offseason then they may reconsider making another move. Dallas hasn’t been doing anything to improve this roster so one trade wouldn’t hurt but no one should expect Dallas to do it. The Cowboys still have Dak Prescott and Lamb’s contracts to worry about and considering Kamara’s money situation, they are the last team that is going to give him the right deal.
Dallas has been going the cheap route for the last decade, recently signing just Royce Freeman to add depth to the backfield. Elliott is only going to be around for a year and Rico Dowdle hasn’t been doing anything special. It seems like the issue will continue as long as they don’t make any splash moves to improve the depth chart.
Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco is going to be the starter for the next decade to burst through defenders and continue to make plays. However, they’re lacking depth and Kamara has experience being the No. 2 running back so he shouldn’t mind doing that. Kamara may want to head to Kansas City on a cheap contract if it means getting a Super Bowl ring. He may want money but he wouldn’t budge the opportunity to play with Patrick Mahomes to partake on a run to the promised land.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have a loaded backfield after adding Rashaad Penny this offseason. There have been rumors that the team could move on from Miles Sanders after a disappointing 2023 campaign. However, they still have loads of stars but Kamara could boost the production for promising running back, Chubba Hubbard. These two could form one of the most dangerous duos in the league to give Bryce Young no excuse to run this roster.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wants to build a foundation that focuses on the run game but the backfield doesn’t look very bright. Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins have an excellent track record of injuries so no one can imagine what may happen early this upcoming season. However, they could make one more immediate move to bring Kamara to help accommodate Justin Herbert. He isn’t just a running back, Kamara could make plays as a pass-catcher in critical moments.
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