NFL Trade Rumors: Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals emerge as top landing spots for $24.5 million Saints RB

Alvin Kamara continues to feature prominently in NFL trade rumors as the New Orleans Saints evaluate their roster ahead of the 2026 season. While no deal appears imminent, league discussions have linked the five-time Pro Bowler with several contenders looking to strengthen their backfield.

ESPN's Dan Graziano recently identified the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers as possible fits, while additional reports have connected the Dallas Cowboys to the veteran running back as New Orleans weighs its long-term direction.

Which teams are interested in Alvin Kamara?

The Cincinnati Bengals have emerged as one of the more interesting teams connected to Kamara.Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports pointed to Cincinnati as a club that could benefit from adding another experienced running back behind Chase Brown.

Brown enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign, rushing for more than 1,000 yards, but the Bengals have lacked proven depth behind him. Kamara would not be expected to replace Brown as the starter. Instead, he could give Joe Burrow another dependable receiving option out of the backfield while helping balance the workload over a long season.The Dallas Cowboys remain another team worth watching. Dallas brought back Javonte Williams and continues to develop young backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, but Kamara's versatility would add a different dimension to the offense.

His ability to line up as both a runner and receiver could complement CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Dak Prescott, giving the Cowboys another experienced weapon in critical situations.

What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?

ESPN's Dan Graziano recently mentioned the Bengals and Green Bay Packers as logical destinations if the Saints decide to move Kamara before the regular season. Palacios also explored Cincinnati as a realistic landing spot but questioned whether the Bengals should sacrifice Chase Brown in any potential deal.

Instead, he suggested draft compensation would make far more sense if talks ever progressed.Palacios also listed Dallas as a strong fit despite the Cowboys bringing back Javonte Williams. He argued that none of the team's younger backs, including Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah and Malik Davis, offer the same all-around skill set as Kamara. Pairing the Saints veteran with Williams could give Dallas a more versatile rushing attack while adding another weapon alongside CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.According to Palacios, a package centred around Day 3 draft picks would better reflect Kamara's current value. He also noted that New Orleans could consider conditional compensation, allowing the final return to increase if Kamara performs at a high level after the trade.

Contract details and salary cap implications

Kamara remains under the two-year, $24.5 million extension he signed with the Saints before the 2024 season. According to Spotrac, the deal includes more than $19.2 million in guaranteed money and keeps him under contract through the end of the 2026 campaign.He is scheduled to carry a cap hit of roughly $10.45 million this season while earning $11.5 million in cash. The contract also includes restructure bonus proration and multiple void years, making any potential trade more complicated than a straightforward player-for-pick swap. A move would leave New Orleans with more than $18 million in dead money, meaning the Saints would likely expect meaningful draft compensation rather than simply clearing salary.

Any interested team would also have to account for Kamara's remaining contract while deciding whether his production justifies the financial commitment.

How could a potential trade impact both teams?

For New Orleans, moving Kamara would signal another step toward reshaping the offense. The Saints have already invested in younger pieces and strengthened their running back room by signing Travis Etienne in free agency. Trading Kamara would free up touches for the newer additions while giving the front office extra draft capital to continue building for the future.Cincinnati presents an interesting football fit, but not because Kamara would replace Chase Brown. Brown has earned the starting role after his 1,019-yard rushing season, and the Bengals have little reason to disrupt that momentum. Kamara would instead offer another dimension to the offense. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and line up in different formations would give Joe Burrow another reliable option alongside Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

It could also reduce the workload on Brown across a long season. Dallas would approach the situation differently. The Cowboys already have Javonte Williams leading the backfield, yet Kamara's versatility could make the offense less predictable. Defenses would have to account for him as both a runner and a receiver, creating more space for CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and the passing game. Even if Kamara's workload is managed, his experience and production in high-leverage situations would make him a valuable addition.At this point, there is no indication that a trade is close. Still, Kamara's name continues to surface in NFL trade rumors as teams evaluate their rosters before training camp. If New Orleans decides to accelerate its transition to a younger core, the Bengals and Cowboys could remain among the clubs watching the situation most closely.