The New Orleans Saints' star running back, Alvin Kamara, is at the center of trade speculation as the post-June 1 deadline approaches. Several teams have emerged as potential suitors, with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills leading the race.
Interested Teams
According to recent reports, the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and Denver Broncos have all been linked to Kamara. The 30-year-old running back has one year remaining on his contract, a two-year, $24.5 million extension signed earlier. The acquiring team would take on his non-guaranteed $11.5 million cash balance but only a $1.345 million salary cap hit for 2025.
Insider Predictions
NFL insiders believe Kamara could be a game-changer for the Jaguars or Bills. Sportsnaut's Andrew Buller-Russ noted, "The Jacksonville Jaguars don't know who will be their starting running back in 2026 after letting Travis Etienne depart. If an obvious choice doesn't emerge, shipping a Day 3 draft pick to New Orleans for Kamara could be a worthy gamble." Bob Rose of Saints Wire highlighted the Bills' connection: "New head coach Joe Brady was an offensive assistant for the Saints during Kamara's first two years. Pete Carmichael, Kamara's former offensive coordinator, is now Buffalo's offensive coordinator."
Contract and Salary Cap Implications
Trading Kamara after the post-June 1 deadline allows the Saints to split his $18.2 million dead money penalty across two seasons: a $10.1 million hit in 2025 and $8.1 million in 2026. This move would clear the remaining $11.5 million cash balance, aiding the team in signing rookie contracts.
Impact on Potential Teams
For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kamara would immediately become the primary starter, supporting quarterback Trevor Lawrence. For the Buffalo Bills, he could serve as a reliable backup to James Cook, helping Josh Allen in the passing game.
Trade talks are expected to intensify in the coming days, with a late-day draft pick likely as the return for the Saints.
