This Eagles-Saints Trade for Alvin Kamara Isn't as Crazy as You Think

The Philadelphia Eagles could use some help at running back now that Jordan Howard left for Miami after one season in town. Miles Sanders returns as the team's leading rusher from 2019 when he had 818 yards as a rookie.

Sanders proved to be reliable both as a runner and a pass-catcher, but he is still only 22 years old and had one good season. The Eagles are supposed to be contenders with Carson Wentz at quarterback and need to get him some more help in the backfield. A trade for New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara fills that need.

The running back has 4,476 career yards from scrimmage in three seasons and has scored 37 touchdowns. He would fit in perfectly with the Eagles, as Sanders finished with 509 receiving yards in 2019. The team still lacks depth at receiver and can rely on someone like Kamara not out of necessity, but because of his natural talent.

New Orleans needs to begin thinking about life after Drew Brees and acquiring a second and fifth-round pick in exchange for Kamara should lead to a successful deal. Anyone questioning why the Saints would want to trade the running back just have to look at his contract situation. Kamara is in the final year of his deal should command an expensive extension in 2021. If the Saints don't see him in the future plans, the team should get something in return before he walks in free agency.

The risk here for the Eagles is Kamara leaving in free agency after the 2020 season. The team already has over $238 million committed to players in 2021, so an extension right after the trade is not possible. However, the the team could get creative with money in 2021 and find a way to keep Kamara. If not, he shows up for one year and makes the Eagles a Super Bowl contender once again.