While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the rest of the NFL completed minicamp last week, one division opponent stood out on the final day.
When the New Orleans Saints opened their final obligatory minicamp practice, veteran running back Alvin Kamara was not there. Why? Kamara seeks a new deal.
The Saints are known for being a fiscally weird franchise, constantly shoving money down the line to deal with in later years. But, given the current status of the running back environment in the NFL, would they really look to pay Kamara more after a bad year?
What happens if New Orleans decides to split ways with Kamara? In some parallel scenario, the Buccaneers get him through a low-risk deal. How does that look like? Is this a wise decision?
The Bucs might wreck the Saints with an exorbitant Alvin Kamara deal.
In this scenario, the Buccaneers trade a fairly valuable asset for a future fifth-round choice. This is for an older running back who recently got into legal trouble and will take a step back in 2023.
The Bucs would also likely work out an arrangement in which Kamara receives a bit extra money. However, because of the terms of the agreement, it may end up working in their favour.
If Kamara plays more than half of his snaps and accumulates 1,000 scrimmage yards in 2024, he will be drafted in the fifth round. However, if he fails to meet those two requirements, the Bucs will only forfeit a seventh-round pick in 2025.
Assuming Kamara does what it takes to get the Saints a fifth-round pick, the Bucs will most certainly reach new heights this season. We’re talking about a player who has made a life as a dual-threat back, racking up at least 70 receptions in five of seven seasons and scoring 77 career touchdowns.
Rachaad White is not going anywhere, of course. He’ll still see a lot of action, but only alongside Kamara. White’s pace and passing abilities are too outstanding to leave on the bench.
Bucky Irving, a rookie, would be more affected than White.
The worst-case scenario from this contract would be Kamara completely tailing off and appearing to be done. The Bucs then lose a seventh-round draft pick, which isn’t a big deal.
Best-case scenario for the Buccaneers? Kamara and White can combine for nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage (if not more), and this offence is fueled by Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Trey Palmer in the passing game. Tampa’s defence improves, as the Bucs win the division and advance to the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Saints remain mired in mediocrity and face a bleak financial future.
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