The Tampa Bay Buccaneers concluded minicamp last week along with all other teams in the NFL, but on the penultimate day, there was one division foe that was particularly noteworthy.
The New Orleans Saints, without veteran running back Alvin Kamara, started their last required minicamp exercise. Why? Kamara desires a new agreement.
The Saints are renowned for being an unusual financial team that consistently pushes money to deal with in later years. But given the status of running backs in the NFL today, would they really look to give Kamara more money after a disappointing season?
What if New Orleans decided not to work with Kamara anymore? In a another universe, the Bucs get him in a low-risk deal. How does that appear? Is this a wise choice?
Now, in this case, the Bucs forfeit a future fifth-round selection in exchange for a reasonably desirable asset. This is, in fact, for an elderly running back who was recently involved in legal issues and who also regressed in 2023.
It would also be expected that the Bucs would arrange for Kamara to get a small raise. But because of the terms of the agreement, it can end up going their way.
Kamara remains a fifth-round pick if he plays more over half of the snaps and records 1,000 scrimmage yards in 2024. But if he misses those two requirements, the Bucs would only give up a 2025 seventh-round selection.
If Kamara fulfills his obligations to secure the Saints a fifth-round selection, the Bucs will probably excel in the upcoming campaign. We are discussing a player who has established himself as a dual-threat back, racking up at least 70 catches in five out of seven seasons and 77 touchdowns in his career.
Naturally, Rachaad White is not going away. He will still get a lot of action, but in tandem with Kamara. White is too skilled to be benched because of his speed and passing skills.
Bucky Irving, the rookie, would suffer more than White.
The Bucs’ best-case scenario? Together, White and Kamara can get at least 2,000 yards from scrimmage, and this offense is clicking with the passing game of Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Trey Palmer. The Bucs win the division and qualify for the postseason thanks to a step up in defense from Tampa.
In the meantime, the Saints’ financial future is not looking very good as they remain mired in mediocrity.
