Report: Saints open to trading Kamara
The New Orleans Saints are open to trading running back Alvin Kamara, a source told NFL reporter Josina Anderson.
Kamara has reportedly skipped several days of training camp without permission, possibly for reasons related to his contract. The 25-year-old is looking for an extension before embarking on the final season of his rookie deal, when he's slated to make $2.13 million in base salary. New Orleans would seek a first-round pick in any deal for Kamara, reports The Athletic's Jeff Duncan.
The three-time Pro Bowler intends to participate in the Saints' practice Wednesday after taking an epidural shot in his back last week, which sidelined him the last few days, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Both parties will now continue to work on a new deal, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.
Kamara has been an integral part of the team since being drafted in the third round in 2017. He contributes to the Saints as a rusher, receiver, and returner.
Alvin Kamara from 2017-19
| Total Yards | Yards Per Attempt | TDs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing | 2408 | 5 | 27 |
| Receiving | 2068 | 8.5 | 10 |
| Kickoff returns | 473 | 31.5 | 1 |
| Punt returns | 112 | 7 | 0 |
Although Kamara hasn't made his contract requests public, he should expect more than the four-year, $48-million extension Joe Mixon reportedly agreed to Tuesday with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Carolina Panthers made Christian McCaffrey the top-paid running back in the NFL earlier this offseason with a four-year extension worth over $16 million annually.
On the Alvin Kamara situation with the #Saints, I'm told that right now, the team is comfortable making him a top 5 paid RB ($12+ mil per season). But Kamara's number is pushing more toward the #Panthers' Christian McCaffrey extension ($16+ mil per). That's a pretty wide chasm.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) September 1, 2020
Trading Kamara would be borderline stunning given the win-now moves the Saints are making while pursuing another championship before 41-year-old quarterback Drew Brees retires.