Sportsnaut
Several playoff contenders, including the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders, need an impact running back. However, one player that has been linked to them recently is not expected to be available before next month’s NFL trade deadline.
One major name that has emerged in trade speculation over the last couple of weeks is New Orleans Saints great Alvin Kamara. Since NO is 1-4 and headed to another losing season. However, on Sunday morning, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport explained why the five-time Pro Bowler is going anywhere this year.
“My understanding is that Alvin Kamara, their star running back, has been the subject of trade calls. Mickey Loomis, the GM, went to Kamara because he is the face of the franchise and because of mutual respect, and essentially said to him, ‘Do you want to be here or do you want to be traded?’ Kamara responded that he wanted to stay in New Orleans the rest of his career. I do not expect him to be traded,” Rapoport wrote.
Teams with an impact running back they are willing to make available before the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline could benefit from a potential bidding war, since several playoff contenders are in desperate need of an upgrade at the position.
The Chiefs are finally starting to get healthier, and their passing attack has built some serious momentum over the last two weeks. Unfortunately, heading into a huge Sunday Night Football game against the Detroit Lions in Week 6, quarterback Patrick Mahomes leads the team in rushing yards (190). They badly need an impact player in the backfield.
The Commanders lost a key part of their offense back in Week 2 when veteran dual-threat Austin Ekeler suffered a season-ending injury. Now, the team that reached the NFC Championship game last season will have rookie seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt starting at RB in Week 6.
Finally, the Chargers are reportedly scouring the league for running back help as well. They lost RB1 Najee Harris to a season-ending injury a few weeks ago, and rookie first-round pick Omarion Hampton is on injured reserve with an ankle injury. They were 3-0 until a two-game slump.
All three teams need RB help this season. Unfortunately for them, it seems Alvin Kamara won’t be an option before this year’s trade deadline.
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