The New Orleans Saints signed star running back Alvin Kamara to a two-year extension on Tuesday, but this move could inadvertently signal a Kendre Miller trade. A third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, New Orleans envisioned Miller pairing with Kamara to form a ferocious 1-2 punch similar to the Kamara-Ingram duo from the late 2010s. If all went well, Miller had the opportunity to become the full-time starter when age inevitably catches up to the six-time Pro Bowler. This never materialized, as Miller’s injury-riddled time in the NFL put him in head coach Dennis Allen’s doghouse.
Injuries are inevitable in the physical game of football, but Allen clearly believed Miller could have played through some of these ailments. With Kamara officially locked into the starting job for at least the next two seasons, the team has no reason to hold on to their former third-round pick. Kendre Miller won’t generate much of a return in a trade but, at 2-5 and set to be well over the 2025 salary cap, the Saints could use all the draft picks they can get. Looking around the league, the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens make the most sense as potential destinations.
Sources: The #Saints and RB Alvin Kamara agreed on a two-year, $24.5 million extension that puts him under contract through 2026.
The deal, confirmed by Kamara’s agent Brad Cicala of @QCSports, puts the 2017 third-round pick in position to retire a Saint. pic.twitter.com/0DMBTFX5r0
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 22, 2024
Saints Could Trade Kendre Miller Following Alvin Kamara Extension
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy’s job depends upon the team going on a deep playoff run in 2024. Unfortunately for the former Super Bowl champion, Dallas enters Week 8 with a 3-3 record and sit behind the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East standings. This team could use a blockbuster trade to install some life into the offense, but owner Jerry Jones made it clear that will not happen. However, while Jones says the team doesn’t have the cap space for a big-name player, it shouldn’t be too hard to accommodate a Kendre Miller trade.
The Cowboys have arguably the NFL’s worst running back room. Rico Dowdle is nothing more than a career journeyman, and the once-great Ezekiel Elliott is actively losing the battle against Father Time. With Elliott outwardly frustrated about his reduced role, the Cowboys could cut him and move forward with a younger and less vocal player. Kendre Miller might not live up to his third-round draft capital, but the trade candidate could make a name for himself behind a solid offensive line. If he can stay healthy, he should beat out Dowdle for the starting job by the end of the season.
Backup In Baltimore
Derrick Henry is the ultimate outlier, and the superhuman running back is in the midst of what could be his best year during his age-30 season. Through seven games, the two-time Pro Bowler leads the league in carries (134), rushing yards (873), touchdowns (eight), and yards per carry (6.5). He’d easily win Offensive Player of the Year if the season ended today, and he’s playing like the best running back in the world. Kendre Miller is not good enough to take his job, but the trade candidate could serve as a crucial Plan B down the stretch.
Baltimore’s depth chart behind Henry is notably weak, as Justice Hill is the primary backup to the probable All-Pro. While Hill is a good special teamer who can play in a pinch, the Ravens need someone better. Kendre Miller has yet to prove himself on the NFL stage, but his collegiate profile could be enough to justify a trade. Miller has a similar hard-nosed style of running which should mesh well with quarterback Lamar Jackson’s more elusive style of play. In a perfect world, the Ravens won’t need Miller to see more than five touches a game. However, if something happens to Henry, Miller could keep the ship afloat for a few weeks.
Main Photo: Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
