As you get older, you realize that the NFL is not fantasy football.
In other words, just because notable players might be available doesn’t mean they’re worth pursuing. We arguably saw that earlier this offseason when the New York Giants reunited with Odell Beckham Jr., who hasn’t played since December 2024 but had history with both the organization and new coach John Harbaugh.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara might be the latest example, at least for Giants fans. Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay proposed that the team target Kamara as a possible replacement for backup running back Devin Singletary, who is in a contract year and not expected to significantly factor into the Giants’ offensive plans.
The Giants are expected to continue using Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy as a 1-2 punch while also maximizing Jaxson Dart’s rushing abilities.
“For a relatively low cost, the G-Men would be getting a key depth option — insurance that they sorely need given Skattebo’s injury history and playing style — who could help push the offense over the hump and into contention,” Kay wrote.
Kamara, who turned 31 last week, restructured his contract earlier this month. Barring injuries, he’s slated to be the RB2 behind former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr.
Alvin Kamara doesn’t make sense for the Giants even if he comes cheap
Kamara had a career-low 574 yards from scrimmage over 11 games last year, marking the first time he’s ever had fewer than 1,160 all-purpose yards. The five-time Pro Bowler has had a remarkable career and is all but a lock to eventually enter the Saints’ Ring of Honor.
However, Kamara doesn’t fit the Giants’ ideal current offensive design. There is no reason to trade for him and have him take carries away from Tracy or Skattebo, both of whom have impressed when given heavy workloads.
Kamara’s restructured contract includes $6 million in guarantees, as well as incentives for 1,600 yards from scrimmage and $500,000 per playoff win. It’s unclear whether the Saints would try to eat some of that money.
Although the national media has taken an anti-Skattebo approach of late, the reality is that he was having a fine rookie year before last October’s season-ending leg injury. Tracy is finally starting to earn recognition as a capable starter, and he still has two years left on his rookie contract.
At face value, Kamara is an upgrade over Singletary, though the latter is a capable depth piece. It’d be hard to fault Kamara if he’s hesitant to take such a reduced role, at least compared to how he’s spent the bulk of his Saints career. And while he lacks a no-trade clause, he’s been in New Orleans long enough that the Saints might prefer to work with him on a potential new home.
Barring a preseason trade request, I don’t see Kamara being moved until October at the earliest. Both he and the Saints benefit from his presence, especially given the growing buzz that they’re a dark horse NFC South contender.
The Saints host the Giants in Week 6, and we’ll see which jersey Kamara is wearing that Sunday afternoon.
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