Saints RB outlook
By: Jake Rajala
The New Orleans Saints have a complex situation at their running back spot. Alvin Kamara has been one of the most dynamic ball-carriers in his career. After all, he has made five trips to the Pro Bowl. The Saints rewarded his efforts with a contract last October for a two-year extension worth $22.5 million Kamara deserves this reward – as he’s not washed up just yet. He recorded 1,493 total yards last season, which was the most he’s obtained since 2020!
After Kamara, the RB outlook is uncertain. Jamaal Williams isn’t a quality RB2, to be fair. He only averaged 3.4 YPC last season. This comes after he recorded 2.9 YPC a season prior. Furthermore, he’s 29 years old, so the fountain of youth isn’t exactly on his side.
The RB that can make or break the Saints RB position is none other than Kendre Miller. He arguably has more ability to evade defenders than Kamara, but he can’t stay healthy! He was also on the dark side of Allen’s taste. He got a fresh start with Rizzi, who once said he was turning into the player they drafted in the third round. Miller is still 23 years old, so he can show this season that he’s the future of the Saints RB spot.
With that said, the question arises: should the Saints bring in a new RB face?
I really don’t want to see the Saints waste their top pick on Ashton Jeanty. The Saints still have a pair of quality RBs, despite injury habits. They should prioritize the OL/DL early in the draft. Plus, a freakish OL prospect can maul defenders and help the Saints RB group.
I’d like to see the Saints ink a modest FA RB on a short term contract, such as Kareem Hunt. Hunt is a bowling ball and an x-factor with the Chiefs right now. I also wouldn’t be opposed to seeing the Saints use a “late” round pick at RB.
If Kellen Moore is hired, expect Kamara to get the biggest workload of his career. We witnessed Saquon Barkley lead the league in carries. I anticipate AK will get many carries early in the game and he will still wear down defenses late in the fourth quarter.
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