- Alvin Kamara has been one of the most dynamic players in the league since the Saints drafted him in 2017.
- With him, they have gone from being a mediocre 7-9 team to a perennial Super Bowl contender.
- But due to contract issues, the Saints now have him on the trade block—which means fans can say goodbye to their Super Bowl dreams.
Fans and the front office of the New Orleans Saints knew this day would come. It was only a matter of time before Alvin Kamara was going to say, “Enough is enough; pay me what I’m worth!” As one of the most dynamic players in the league today, he is worth a lot.
He is certainly worth more than the $2.1 million base salary he is due this season. But it doesn’t sound like the Saints want to pony up.
Since he’s under contract, though, they don’t need to do anything. With the beginning of the season days away, they’re likely thinking about other things. But then another development makes it sound like they don’t want to pay him what he wants.
Otherwise, why would they be looking to trade him?
His trade value is higher now since a team will get an incredible player for peanuts this season. If the Saints know they can’t meet his demands, trading him (and getting something for him) is smart.
However, in doing so, they will be dooming their Super Bowl dreams for this season.
Alvin Kamara is the Key
For the last three seasons (2017-19), the New Orleans Saints have been one of the best teams in the NFL. They have won 10+ games each season, won their division, made the playoffs, and nearly made it to the Super Bowl. But in the three years before that (2014-16), they were the definition of mediocre, going 7-9 in each season. So— what happened?
Well, the turnaround began in 2016, when the Saints selected Michael Thomas in the second round. The pièce de résistance came the following year when they selected Alvin Kamara in the third round.
With Kamara coming out of the backfield and Thomas catching almost everything thrown his way, the Saints offense was transformed. Kamara played so well he was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year:
Is @A_kamara6 the Offensive Rookie of the Year? 🤔
Check out his 2017 highlight reel! 🎥🏈 #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/r2n3aHbQca
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2018
Factor in a vastly improved defense, and the Saints were no longer mediocre. They were winning games, division titles, and talked about as Super Bowl contenders.
Is Alvin Kamara the sole reason for the turnaround? Of course not. But his skillset coming out of the backfield as a runner or receiver was the missing link.
But without him, the offense will become dependent on the passing game. With Drew Brees at the helm, that’s not a bad thing. But with Tom Brady leading the Buccaneers, they may not even win the division, let alone the Super Bowl.
But…
He might not be going anywhere. But it does sound like he is going to be back at practice soon:
Just said on @NFLTotalAccess: #Saints RB Alvin Kamara intends to show up tomorrow and practice after missing several days following an epidural shot in his back last Thursday. The sides weren’t that far apart on an extension before things went sideways. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/mdBqpoNGXG
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 1, 2020
So—does that mean all is well? As long as he comes back for this season, all is good in the world again, right?
Not necessarily.
Something happened that derailed contract talks. Because of that something, the Saints are talking trade.
Will anyone make the Saints an offer? A better question may be who isn’t going to. With what Kamara brings to the table, he could turn any contender into a frontrunner. A guy like that is undoubtedly worth a first-round pick.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CCN.com.
