The New Orleans Saints may have their eye on the trade market for running back Alvin Kamara following their reported agreement with former Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne. The Louisiana local is headed back to “The Big Easy” to help Tyler Shough’s offense.

Accordingly, it is worth taking a look at some teams who could make trade offer for Kamara’s services this offseason. The Saints recently restructured his contract, using a unique method that allows teams to prorate part of a current-year salary of a player when the next year’s payout is a drop of 50% or more.

4 hypothetical trades for Saints RB Alvin Kamara

“Releasing him after June 1 would change his 2026 salary cap hit to $11.39 million and leave behind $8.06 million in dead money for 2027. Trading him after June 1 puts it at $10.05 million against the 2026 cap and $8.06 million in 2027.” — USA Today Sports

With the recent contract restructure from the Saints, his salary cap hit is $10.44 million for 2026 and $16.26 million for 2027 as it currently sits.

Vikings add proven playmaker amid QB controversy

Offer:
Saints receive 2026 seventh-round pick
Vikings receive RB Alvin Kamara

“This is a move facilitated after the signing of Travis Etienne, meaning they are choosing to move forward without him at the position. It’s the end of an era for the Saints, and their hope is they can move on. Where things get interesting is the compensation in return. Kamara isn’t a young player anymore at 31 years old, and he will bring a cap hit of just $1.345 million to his new team.

The other aspect is the Saints will have to absorb a notable cap hit, regardless of whether he is dealt before or after June 1. With all factors considered, the Vikings are willing to trade one of their three seventh-round picks, although his skill set is that of a better player than that. It’s hard to give up more capital than that.” — Tyler Forness

Steelers find Kenneth Gainwell replacement via trade

Offer:
Saints receive 2026 fifth-round pick
Steelers receive RB Alvin Kamara

“After losing Kenneth Gainwell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, the Steelers have to find their pass-catching back for the offense. Normally, I would say go to the NFL Draft, but the Steelers just did that with Kaleb Johnson, and this year’s crop of backs isn’t that great. The Saints made the splash to sign Travis Etienne, and now, Alvin Kamara is suddenly expendable. 

I see him as a perfect fit in the Steelers offense, bringing that outlet and true route-running ability out of the backfield, something that Aaron Rodgers loved from Gainwell last year. The move would add to the veteran presence on the offense after the Michael Pittman trade, and it would make for a solid trio of backs.” — Rob Gregson

Broncos double down on veteran talent at RB

Offer:
Saints receive 2026 fifth-round pick
Broncos receive RB Alvin Kamara

“The Denver Broncos are looking for some help in the running back room, and head coach Sean Payton might find his next Alvin Kamara with Alvin Kamara. Denver needs more bodies in the room, despite JK Dobbins just inking a new deal with the club. That, and a handful of players rumored to be going to the Denver Broncos, have fallen off the board and been picked up by other teams.

Instead of using the draft to bolster the room, use some of that draft capital for a proven commodity in the league, and a player who has plenty of history with Payton during his time with the New Orleans Saints. RJ Harvey and Kamara could be the one-two punch for the next several seasons if Denver could get a deal done with New Orleans to bring the superstar running back to Denver.

Kamara took a step back in total yards in 2025, with 471 yards and 1 touchdown on 131 carries, but in 2024, he nearly eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark, showing he has plenty left in the tank. With teams already picking up on running backs in free agency, Denver looks to a trade to help bolster their offense heading into 2026.” — Adam Zientek

Chargers replace Najee Harris to accompany Omarion Hampton

Offer:
Saints receive 2026 sixth-round pick (204)
Chargers receive RB Alvin Kamara

“The Chargers’ challenge for the first year of the Mike McDaniel regime is to find someone out of the backfield that can do some De’von Achane things. Achane became a critical piece of the puzzle for McDaniel over the past two years and the Chargers backfield doesn’t have anyone with a comparable skill set.

Given the Chargers’ spending power, Alvin Kamara could be a viable option to bring on and serve as part of a platoon, particularly on passing downs. Kamara is no where near as explosive but he’s a diverse talent who can thrive as a pass catcher still.” — Kyle Crabbs

Accepting the best offer for New Orleans

The Saints decide to accept the offer from Pittsburgh. It is the most valuable draft pick, and it also sends the fan favorite running back to the AFC.

New Orleans could choose to keep Kamara in the fold for next season, but that would be a bit surprising considering the money they’re set to spend on Etienne. We will see if Kamara dons a new uniform next season or hangs up his cleats, if he’s not with the Saints.

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