Could Saints Really Consider Trading Running Back Alvin Kamara?

The three-time Pro Bowler enters the final year of his rookie contract

Could one of the league's premier running backs be on the move?

The NFL world had a bomb dropped Tuesday as well-known league reporter Josina Anderson tweeted the New Orleans Saints are "open to trading" running back Alvin Kamara.

The news follows reports that Kamara had consecutive unexecuted absences from practices held earlier this week. Those absences were reportedly related to contract issues.

But could the Saints really consider trading one of the league's best two-way backs, especially from a team that's clearly in win-now mode as quarterback Drew Brees continues at the helm?

Those from around the NFL, and Saints specifically, shared their reactions to the ongoing issue.

I can confirm. Their first option is to sign Kamara to a long-term deal. But only at the right price. If not, they are open to a trade. Saints are seeking a first-round pick in return. https://t.co/dXCsoA3ct8
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) September 1, 2020

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

Here’s what I’ve gathered.

I had been hearing it was about $2 million apart. There was a sense that while there was some push and pull it could get done.

Now, we’ll see.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) September 1, 2020

I would be really surprised if a Saints team that’s all-in to win this year with Drew Brees traded away Alvin Kamara.
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) September 1, 2020

Kamara enters the final year of his rookie contract having played in 45 games (25 starts) during his three years. The 25-year-old is returning from a somewhat down year in 2019 when he tallied 1,200-plus yards from scrimmage one year after recording nearly 1,600 yards of offense in 2018.

He's been named a Pro Bowler each of his first three seasons and garnered 2017 Associated Press Rookie of the Year honors. Kamara was a third-round pick by the Saints in 2017.

Thumbnail photo via Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports Images