Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave Address Saints Trade Rumors

Trade rumors have become a familiar storyline for Alvin Kamara, but the New Orleans Saints running back once again made it clear where his heart lies. Despite ongoing speculation ahead of the NFL’s Nov. 4 trade deadline, Kamara reiterated that he wants to remain in New Orleans — even if that decision might not ultimately be his to make.

A report from the NFL Network claimed that General Manager Mickey Loomis had approached Kamara to gauge his thoughts after fielding interest from other teams. Kamara laughed off the rumor, saying the story surprised both him and Loomis.

“We talked about [the report] and we was looking at each other like the little Spider-Man meme: ‘Did you say something? Did I say something?’” Kamara said. “I don’t know where that came from. But I think I’ve been vocal enough that I don’t want to go anywhere.”

Still, Kamara acknowledged that trades are part of the business. “If I was a GM, I guess I would go to the player and be like, ‘Hey, we’re trading you. Just so you know.’ So, if Mickey comes downstairs and says that, then I’m going to go drink a piña colada somewhere,” he added with a laugh.

A Veteran Star in a Rebuilding Team

Now in his ninth season, Kamara has remained one of the league’s most productive all-purpose backs. Since being drafted in the third round in 2017, he has made five Pro Bowls, earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and is on the verge of surpassing 12,000 career yards from scrimmage — more than any other player in Saints history.

Kamara signed an extension midway through last season that keeps him in New Orleans through 2026, with $3 million of his base salary guaranteed for that year. However, his $18.57 million cap hit in 2026 looms large for a team currently in flux at 1–5. The veteran knows he may not be around when the franchise reenters a competitive window.

“I’ve said it countless times — I want to be a Saint for as long as my career goes,” Kamara said. “That’s all I’m looking for, really.”

Kamara has started all six games this season, rushing 83 times for 314 yards and one touchdown while dealing with a minor ankle injury that limited him in practice last week.

Olave Embraces the Business Side of Football

Wide receiver Chris Olave has also found himself the subject of trade speculation, a byproduct of the Saints’ poor start and his own inconsistency in recent weeks. Like Kamara, Olave acknowledged the noise but chose not to let it affect his focus.

“That’s part of the business, man,” Olave said. “It’s been like that all year, in the offseason. Even right now, I ain’t really been on social media, but I know it’s cooking right now that we’re 1-5. There’s always rumors, the internet trying to always create some buzz.”

Olave revealed that he has spoken to people within the organization about the rumors, but he preferred to keep those discussions private. “They just talked to me and told me what was going on,” he said. “I keep that between me and them.”

The 2022 first-round pick, who is also under contract through 2026, has 39 receptions for 342 yards and one touchdown this season. Though he has battled through minor injuries and a few costly drops, he remains one of the team’s most reliable targets.

Saints Facing an Uncertain Future

The Saints’ 1–5 record has sparked speculation that the team could become a seller ahead of the trade deadline, with both Kamara and Olave viewed as valuable assets. But for now, both players insist their focus remains on helping New Orleans turn things around.

Kamara, who once again expressed his love for the city and its fans, summed up the sentiment shared by both teammates: staying ready, regardless of what happens next.

“I’m just focused on what I’m doing,” Kamara said. “I don’t really think about [the rumors] too much. It’s been like that for years — it just is what it is.”