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Alvin Kamara landing spots after Saints trade report emerges: Patriots among two


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Alvin Kamara is one of the best all-around running backs in football. Now all 31 other NFL franchises may have that opportunity to play “Let’s Make A Deal” with the New Orleans Saints as the franchise could look to trade Kamara if they can’t reach a contract extension with the three-time Pro Bowl running back. 

Kamara’s trade market could heat up fast. He’s the only player in league history to rush for 2,000 yards, have 2,000 receiving yards, and make three Pro Bowl appearances in his first three NFL seasons. Over the past three seasons, Kamara is fifth in yards from scrimmage (4,476) and second in all-purpose yards (5,061). Kamara’s 27 rushing touchdowns are fifth in the NFL and his 243 receptions and 2,068 receiving yards are second in the league among running backs only to Christian McCaffrey

Bottom line: Kamara deserves to be paid amongst the best running backs in the game. If the Saints fail to accomplish the task, another NFL team will certainly take on the responsibilities of having Kamara long term. Which of those teams would actually want to give up a reported first-round pick (New Orleans’ asking price) for Kamara, not to mention having the salary cap space to sign Kamara to a long-term deal? Let’s dive in.

New England Patriots

The Patriots have given the Saints a first-round pick for an offensive playmaker before (see Brandin Cooks) and he was also in the last year of his rookie contract. Sound familiar? Perhaps Bill Belichick gives up another first-round pick to add a talented running back like Kamara, especially given the Patriots running back situation. 

If Cam Newton is truly going to succeed in New England, why not give him a reliable pass-catching option that can open up his scrambling ability and give opposing defenses nightmares? Sony Michel isn’t reliable and who knows how dependable James White is now that Brady is in Tampa. Cam and Kamara would be a lot of fun and would also open up the playbook for Josh McDaniels.

Kamara will certainly get his fair share of touches in New England and open up the passing game. Adding him may be the move that gives New England another AFC East title. 

Miami Dolphins

Miami shelled out $8.26 million to form a running back combination of Jordan Howard and Matt Breida for 2020 — their attempt to improve the league’s worst rushing attack form a year ago. While Breida and Howard have potential, they don’t match up to the talent of Kamara. The Dolphins are committed to spending money and have plenty of future cap space to work out a long-term deal with Fournette (projected $42 million in 2021 cap space, per Over the Cap).

The Dolphins also have a first-round pick to give up, as they possess two of them thanks to the Laremy Tunsil trade prior to the start of the season last year. Miami can easily part ways with a first-round pick to get a back as good as Kamara and give him a new contract. 

Adding Kamara could catapult Miami from a five-win team to a dark horse playoff contender. Tua Tagovailoa would also have another reliable pass-catching option in his rookie season. A win-win. 

New York Jets

How about a Kamara for Le’Veon Bell swap? The Saints and Jets could entertain the possibility as a way to rid each other of their running back problems. Bell and Jets head coach Adam Gase have had their disagreements and the Jets would certainly like to rid themselves of Bell’s massive contract. The Saints, should they choose not to sign Kamara to an extension, could ship him off to New York and get a playmaker in Bell, whose receiving ability would fit nicely as a check down option for Brees. 

Despite Bell’s subpar 2019 season, he still has a few good years left in him. Put Bell behind a good offensive line and he’ll revert back to his days with the Steelers. The Saints will reap the rewards of Bell and still be Super Bowl contenders while the Jets will get a younger back in Kamara that’s a stronger fit in a Gase offense. Kamara will also receive plenty of target volume given the Jets’ depth at receiver. 

The Saints may actually get a draft pick back for taking on Bell’s contract. Just a thought. 

Buffalo Bills

Notice the pattern here? Every AFC East team could use Kamara in a division that’s as wide open as it’s ever been in the past 20 years. The Bills have the defense capable of winning the division and opened up the passing game with the acquisition of Stefon Diggs this offseason. Their running game is still a question mark as it’s unclear if Devin Singletary can be a featured back and Zack Moss could take that job away at some point this season. 

Buffalo’s running game is fine as it’s currently constructed, but the Bills have a first-round pick and the cap space to add Kamara to their already impressive…



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