The latest NFL trade rumors predict the Cincinnati Bengals are preparing to make a powerful move involving a blockbuster deal for New Orleans Saints veteran Alvin Kamara before the 2026 season. This offseason, the Bengals may have lost Trey Hendrickson, but they quickly responded and added Boye Mafe and Dexter Lawrence to give them a physical defense. While it pleased QB Joe Burrow, there’s still some work to be done offensively. Dan Graziano of ESPN mentions that the Bengals and Green Bay Packers could be fits for the Saints RB.
After New Orleans signed Travis Etienne to a long-term deal in free agency, it shouldn’t be surprising to see the former third-round pick in a new uniform before September. With the Bengals acquiring the Saints RB, they would get another explosive backfield weapon. Does this mean trouble could come behind Chase Brown? Not really; the current starter has been a complete workhorse this past season, hauling in 232 carries for 1,019 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt.
However, veteran backup Samaje Perine hasn’t been able to keep up. This means that Kamara won’t get starting duties, but he’d be an effective rotational back as another added receiver and downhill runner. Although he isn’t in his prime anymore, the former third-rounder pairing with Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase feels very compelling for the Saints veteran.
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Are the Bengals prepared to trade Brown to the Saints in exchange for the five-time Pro Bowler? No chance that happens at all unless the Saints are willing to give up a decent top pick, which is unlikely. With Brown entering the final year of his contract this upcoming season, the Bengals could be motivated to move him to get the Saints RB if it means a run for an AFC Championship Game.
However, Kamara is too old, and it might’ve worked when he was 26-years-old. Arguably, they’d be better off keeping Brown as their starter and signing a veteran free agent in the RB market like Najee Harris or Joe Mixon to supplement Perine. For this trade to happen, the Bengals would have to send a fifth- and sixth-round pick to acquire the Saints veteran. Would the Saints give up at least one pick?
That is the Bengals’ choice. They could handshake on an agreement that if the Saints RB doesn’t thrive, they’d only have to give up a sixth-round selection. This is probably the best route for both sides. However, expect the Saints’ All-Pro to receive interest during NFL Training Camp, and these two teams could likely push hard for the RB.
Other Suitors Swooping In
Dallas Cowboys
After being inches away from getting a defensive gauntlet like the Las Vegas Raiders pass-rusher, Maxx Crosby, the Dallas Cowboys could make one major push to strengthen its overall roster. Although the team re-signed Javonte Williams to a contract extension, it doesn’t mean they’re finished yet. Between Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah and Malik Davis, none of these RB’s are on the same level as Kamara.
If there’s a chance to create a 1-2 punch between Williams and the Saints RB, expect them to take that chance while they have one of the greatest WR duos in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
Chicago Bears
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are a team with the biggest need for a superstar RB. Veteran D’Andre Swift will likely lose his starting job to Kyle Monangai, who has surprised many last season. Despite that, Monangai is still a little inexperienced, and it’ll take a few years before he’s a true All-Pro. If the Bears can get Kamara to help QB Caleb Williams create some stardom in this offense, don’t be surprised if head coach Ben Johnson takes that leap of faith.
