This Chiefs, Saints Trade Makes Perfect Sense For Both Sides

The 0-2 Kansas City Chiefs could use another playmaker and could target running back Alvin Kamara in a trade. A third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Kamara used to be one of the game’s elite players and arguably the best running back in football. While the five-time Pro Bowler has lost a step since his peak days, he remains a productive starter. Through two games, Kamara has recorded 144 rushing yards and one touchdown on 32 carries (4.5 yards per attempt) while adding another eight receptions for 33 yards through the air.

He’s still a good player, but the 30-year-old back is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning and probably will be past his prime by the time New Orleans is ready to compete. With this in mind, could the Saints trade Alvin Kamara to a desperate team like the Chiefs?

Saints, Chiefs Could Agree to Alvin Kamara Trade

While the Saints and Chiefs have identical 0-2 records, Kansas City has a much better chance of making the playoffs than New Orleans. While second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler has played well through two games, the roster is still too weak to make a serious push at the postseason. The Saints spent years kicking the can down the road after Drew Brees retired, and now the bill has finally come due. This team should focus on adding young talent, and Kamara’s trade value will only plummet as the season progresses.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, are still in the midst of their Super Bowl window. This team will always have a chance as long as Patrick Mahomes is under center, and the passing attack should improve once Rashee Rice and 2024 first-round pick Xavier Worthy return to the field. The only question is whether or not the team can make up their lost ground in a competitive AFC West. The Chargers are currently two games up on the Chiefs, and the 1-1 Raiders and Broncos also own better records. All four teams in the division have a decent shot of making the playoffs, so Kansas City can’t afford to wait around for their star receivers to return. They need someone to improve on Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, and an Alvin Kamara trade would be exactly what this team needs.

Trade Terms

Trading for Alvin Kamara shouldn’t be too difficult from a financial standpoint. Acquiring him now would cost Kansas City just under $3 million, and while he carries a decent cap hit in 2026, they’ll only owe him $3 million if they release him before the start of the season.

Given his age, contract status, and the relative unimportance of the running back position, it’s hard to envision the Chiefs giving up anything more than a late-round pick in an Alvin Kamara trade. While you can’t have too many draft picks, New Orleans might not want to send away one of their most reliable playmakers for such a small return. This team needs Spencer Rattler or second-round pick Tyler Shough to become a franchise quarterback, and if they think Kamara can help their young passers develop, then they won’t trade him.