Alvin Kamara Reaffirms Commitment to Saints Amid Trade Speculation

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has made it clear that he wants to remain with the team, despite ongoing trade rumors. Speaking at a press conference on October 19, 2023, Kamara addressed a report from NFL Network indicating that Saints general manager Mickey Loomis had approached him regarding interest from other teams. Kamara stated, “I’ve been vocal enough that … I don’t want to go anywhere.”

The speculation surrounding Kamara’s future intensified after Loomis allegedly asked him if there were any teams he would consider joining. Kamara expressed confusion over the report, humorously referencing the Spiderman meme to illustrate his surprise. “Did you say something? Did I say something?” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to the Saints.

Kamara’s loyalty to New Orleans is not new. He previously expressed a desire to finish his career with the franchise after signing a contract extension that will keep him in the city through the 2026 season. The extension includes a guaranteed $3 million of his base salary for that year. “I want to be a Saint for a long time, for as long as my career goes,” Kamara stated last year.

While he has been dealing with an ankle injury that limited his practice participation, Kamara has still started all six games this season, accumulating 314 rushing yards and one touchdown on 83 carries. His commitment to the team remains steadfast, even in light of distractions caused by his name appearing in trade discussions.

Kamara’s teammate, wide receiver Chris Olave, also commented on the trade chatter surrounding the Saints. With the team currently holding a disappointing 1-5 record, Olave acknowledged that speculation is a natural part of the business. “There’s always rumors, the internet trying to always create some buzz,” he said. Olave, who has 39 receptions for 342 yards and one touchdown this season, noted that he had discussions with team personnel who reassured him about the situation.

Kamara remains focused on his performance, stating, “I just got to keep my head down.” He indicated that he is accustomed to trade rumors and chooses not to dwell on them. “I don’t really think about it too much,” he added.

As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Saints find themselves at a crossroads. With two prominent players—Kamara and Olave—grappling with trade rumors, the team must navigate the complexities of roster decisions while trying to improve their standing in the league. The coming weeks will be pivotal for the Saints as they seek to turn their season around.