Alvin Kamara’s recent contract dilemma with the New Orleans Saints has taken quite the turn.
According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, the Saints are open to trading the 25-year-old Pro Bowl running back.
While the team prefers to sign Kamara to a long-term deal, a trade is on the table if they cannot reach an agreement and would seek a first-round pick in return, per Jeff Duncan of The Athletic.
Kamara, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, had initially reported to training camp but had missed the last few practices and it was reportedly for contract-related reasons.
Kamara has continued to show up to the team facility and neither he nor his agent had asked for a trade, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. In fact, they were under the impression that negotiations were ongoing and that progress was being made toward an extension.
Head coach Sean Payton had declined to talk about Kamara’s absence, or anyone else who did not practice when he met with reporters on Monday.
Kamara, a third-round draft pick in 2017 out of Tennessee, said on Aug. 10 that he was not concerned about the status of his contract.
“Me and my agent talked briefly about it,” he said, “And I told him, I said...don't tell me anything about a contract until it's like something where it's happening, as or if it is something that I need to know."
At least two running backs from Kamara’s draft class have already received contract extensions.
Christian McCaffrey, who was drafted in the first round, recently signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension while Bengals running back Joe Mixon – taken in the second round – reportedly received a four-year, $48 million extension on Tuesday.
Kamara has been a Pro Bowl running back in each of his first three seasons in the NFL, accumulating at least 1,300 yards from scrimmage in all of those seasons.
UPDATE
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero says that Kamara intends to return to practice on Wednesday, though his contract situation is still unsettled.
Potential Destinations
New England Patriots: The Patriots offense is looking a lot different without Tom Brady, and adding another playmaker into the backfield, such as Alvin Kamara, could be the perfect weapon for their new-look offense led by Cam Newton.
Belichick has given up a first-rounder in the past to New Orleans for Brandin Cooks, and it is not out of the realm of possibility he could do it again.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins made a lot of improvements to the team over the offseason as they build around the future of the franchise in Tua Tagovailoa. They have two first-round picks for 2021 so spending one to add a dynamic running back in Kamara would go a long way if they can also reach an extension.
New York Jets: Le'Veon Bell and Adam Gase do not seem to be on the best of terms, and the Jets have an extra first-round pick -- albeit for the 2022 draft -- to spare if they want to make a run at Kamara.
Washington Football Team: Derrius Guice may never play another down in the NFL with his off-field issues, and 35-year-old Adrian Peterson is currently the RB1 for Washington. They may not have the extra draft picks like the Dolphins and Jets, but there is a need for a running back and perhaps someone like Kamara could help take some of the pressure off second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins.
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