The Alvin Kamara trade idea isn’t crazy, but it’s just as easy to get wrong.
After scrolling through social media, I saw a trade scenario pop up involving Alvin Kamara. It was based on sending a 2027 sixth-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for Kamara. On the surface, it feels like a win. A late day 3 pick for a five-time Pro Bowl running back.
I wouldn’t hate the Cowboys calling New Orleans about Kamara. I just don’t want the Cowboys or fans thinking this is the same Alvin Kamara who used to wreck defenses every week.
The post I saw was from DakMuse on X, and I like it, but I want to add a few details to the trade scenario and another avenue on the trade.
I think the entire argument should come down to cost and usage.
Alvin Kamara Would Not Replace Javonte Williams
Let’s just get this out of the way right off the bat.
The Cowboys don’t need Kamara to be their starting running back. Javonte Williams already owns the job, and he gave Dallas the kind of lead back they have been missing since prime Exekiel Elliott.
If Dallas were to trade for Alvin Kamara, it shouldn’t be based on taking snaps away from Javonte Williams, and I don’t think it would be.
What it should be about is making Dak Prescott’s life easier.
Kamara’s value would come on third down, in the two-minute offense, in the red zone, and on designed passing-game touches. Screens, option routes, angle routes, motion looks, and empty formations is where Alvin Kamara would thrive.
Dallas has Williams as the tone-setter. Jaydon Blue brings the speed, but has to prove he can be trusted. Phil Mafah gives the room more size and power, though I don’t think he is a matchup back on passing downs. Malik Davis is an experienced back with some skill. Finally, Hunter Luepke has his own responsibilities.
Alvin Kamara brings something different. I feel this type of veteran outlet who understands leverage and blitz looks would pay dividends for an offense built around Dak, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson.
The Trade Has Two Different Versions
This is where the conversation gets interesting, in my humble opinion.
I think there are two ways this deal could be built.
The first version is simple:
The Cowboys send a 2027 sixth-round pick and take on the money.
It may sound cheap because the draft cost is low, but if Dallas absorbs a big financial number for a 31-year-old running back, the deal doesn’t look as good. At that point, it’s not just a late round swing. It becomes buying an aging player while giving up an asset.
I don’t think I would pay full price.
I will throw out a second version and see what you think.
The Cowboys send a 2027 fifth-round pick and the Saints pay part of Kamara’s salary.
Dallas has two fifth-rounders. Why not give one up to take Kamara and see if the Saints will pay him?
New Orleans gets better draft compensation; Dallas gets a better contract to handle. I would rather give up a fifth and land Kamara at a reduced price than send a sixth and overpay on a veteran contract.
Cap space matters, we all know this. A fifth-rounder isn’t worthless, and it might specie up the deal enough to get a good veteran at a cheaper price point.
Where I Draw the Line
If the Cowboys can get Alvin Kamara for a sixth and only inherit a small remaining salary, I’m all ears.
If Dallas has to take on the whole salary, I would be out. That’s my line in the sand.
Kamara can’t be paid like a star in Dallas because he wouldn’t be used like one. Williams is RB1, Blue needs touches as RB2, Mafah has value as a RB3, and Malik Davis is in the mix somewhere.
The touches have to be taken from someone and I think if this scenario played out, Malik Davis may be sent packing to get more touches for Kamara.
All in all, the contract has to match the job.
Final Verdict: W or L?
A sixth-round pick for Kamara sounds like a win. A sixth-round pick plus too much money is not.
A fifth-round pick with the Saints paying part of the salary is the better version of the deal. Dallas would get the player without letting the contract get in the way.
I’d make the call, but I wouldn’t beg.
The Cowboys should want Alvin Kamara as a third-down weapon, not the headliner.
Kamara can still help this offense. He just has to be priced like what he is now, not what he used to be.
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