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Saints Veteran RB Alvin Kamara Could Draw Interest From Cowboys, Broncos and Chiefs
The 30-year-old running back is a potential salary cap casualty in New Orleans.
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
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The New Orleans Saints are considering parting ways with veteran running back Alvin Kamara, who is set to carry a $18.6 million cap hit in 2026. The Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs could all be potential suitors for Kamara if the Saints release him, though Kamara has previously stated he would retire rather than play for another team.
Why it matters
Kamara has been a key part of the Saints' offense for nearly a decade, making the Pro Bowl four times. However, his production and availability have declined in recent seasons, leading the Saints to potentially move on from the 30-year-old running back. Several contending teams could be interested in adding Kamara's talent, but his desire to only play for the Saints complicates the situation.
The details
Kamara is coming off the least productive season of his career in 2025, posting career lows in rushing yards (471), receiving yards (186), scrimmage touchdowns (1), and yards per touch (4.0). He also saw declines in his explosive run rate and missed tackle rate. With the Saints likely looking to the future at the position, Kamara's $18.6 million cap hit makes him an attractive salary cap casualty. A pre-June 1 release would only save the Saints $360,000, but a post-June 1 designation would open up $8.5 million in cap space.
- Alvin Kamara is set to turn 31 years old this summer.
- The Saints would need to make a decision on Kamara's future before June 1 to maximize any potential cap savings.
The players
Alvin Kamara
A 30-year-old running back who has spent his entire 8-year NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, making the Pro Bowl 4 times.
Javonte Williams
A running back for the Dallas Cowboys who is set to be a free agent in 2026.
J.K. Dobbins
A running back for the Denver Broncos who is a pending free agent in 2026.
Kareem Hunt
A running back for the Kansas City Chiefs who is set to be a free agent in 2026.
Isiah Pacheco
A running back for the Kansas City Chiefs who is set to be a free agent in 2026.
What they’re saying
“The 30-year-old running back had easily the least productive season of his career in 2025, totaling career lows in rushing yards (471), receiving yards (186), scrimmage touchdowns (one) and yards per touch (4.0). He also posted career lows in explosive run rate (7.6%) and missed tackle rate (20.6%), according to Next Gen Stats.”
— Matt Okada, NFL.com writer (NFL.com)
What’s next
The Saints will need to decide by June 1 whether to release Kamara, which would open up $8.5 million in cap space if designated as a post-June 1 cut.
The takeaway
Alvin Kamara's potential release highlights the Saints' need to address their running back position for the future, as the veteran back has struggled with injuries and declining production in recent seasons. Several contending teams could be interested in adding Kamara's talent, but his stated desire to only play for the Saints complicates the situation.




