Vikings Identified as Potential Landing Spot for 5-Time Pro Bowl RB

Minnesota could acquire Alvin Kamara from the Saints in a trade, filling a need after releasing Aaron Jones.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Minnesota Vikings have been named as a potential trade partner for the New Orleans Saints and running back Alvin Kamara. With the Saints signing Travis Etienne in free agency, Kamara may become expendable, and the Vikings could acquire the 5-time Pro Bowler for a late-round draft pick to help replace the recently released Aaron Jones.

Why it matters

The Vikings are in need of a new workhorse running back after parting ways with Aaron Jones. Acquiring the dynamic Alvin Kamara would give them one of the most talented backfield duos in the NFL alongside young running back Jordan Mason.

The details

According to reports, the Vikings were interested in signing Travis Etienne before he joined the Saints in free agency. With Etienne now in New Orleans, that could open the door for the Vikings to trade for Kamara, who has been one of the league's most productive running backs when healthy. In 2025, Kamara played in 11 games, rushing for 471 yards and 1 touchdown, while also providing elite pass-catching ability out of the backfield.

  • The Vikings released running back Aaron Jones on March 1, 2026.
  • The Saints signed free agent running back Travis Etienne on March 10, 2026.

The players

Alvin Kamara

A 5-time Pro Bowl running back who has spent his entire career with the New Orleans Saints.

Aaron Jones

The Vikings' primary running back for the past two seasons, who was released by the team on March 1, 2026.

Jordan Mason

A young running back on the Vikings' roster who is expected to take on a larger role after the release of Aaron Jones.

Travis Etienne

The free agent running back who signed with the New Orleans Saints on March 10, 2026, potentially making Alvin Kamara expendable.

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What they’re saying

“According to the Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Vikings were one of the teams interested in signing Travis Etienne before the free agent back elected to join the Saints. While it may have stung the Vikings to lose out on Etienne, the former Jacksonville Jaguar's presence in New Orleans could open another option for Minnesota.”

— Alex Kay, Bleacher Report Analyst (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Vikings will need to determine if they are willing to part with a late-round draft pick to acquire Alvin Kamara from the Saints, who may look to move the veteran running back after signing Travis Etienne in free agency.

The takeaway

By acquiring Alvin Kamara, the Vikings could quickly rebuild their backfield and pair the 5-time Pro Bowler with young running back Jordan Mason, giving them one of the most talented and versatile rushing attacks in the NFL.