Heavy's Austen Bundy proposed a deal sending New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara to Cincinnati, with the Bengals sending a 2027 fifth-round pick and a 2028 conditional sixth-round pick to New Orleans in exchange for Kamara and cash considerations.
Why the Bengals Would Do It
Cincinnati spent the offseason loading up the defense, signing Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen, and Bryan Cook while trading for Dexter Lawrence II, but did comparatively little to bolster an offense that must maximize Joe Burrow's window.
The running game is the question mark.
🚨🚨The #Bengals have been linked to #Saints RB Alvin Kamara
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) July 3, 2026
Chase Brown emerged as a dominant rusher last season but could regress toward his career average, and the depth behind him, Samaje Perine and Tahj Brooks, is not playoff-caliber for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
ESPN's Dan Graziano previously named the Bengals as a fit, saying that if Kamara lands in the right backfield and role, he could go out with a bang.
Why Kamara Is Available
The Saints reshaped their backfield this offseason, signing Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $48 million deal in free agency and pushing the 30-year-old Kamara to a secondary role.
New Orleans also has Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, and others in a crowded room, which raises real questions about Kamara's fit and his $10.4 million cap hit.
The New Orleans Times reported that "it would not be shocking" for the Saints to part ways with Alvin Kamara before the season begins.
— The Goal Line Grind (@theGLgrind) July 5, 2026
With the addition of Travis Etienne and the depth of Devon Neal, Kendre Miller and Audric Estime behind him, it's more than a possibility with… pic.twitter.com/zarvVnh1Bw
Last season, Kamara carried the ball 131 times for 471 rushing yards and one touchdown while adding 33 catches for 186 yards, posting a 51.7 PFF grade in a diminished role.
He would slot in as a change-of-pace complement to Brown and give Burrow another pass-catching option alongside Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
The Skepticism
Not everyone is sold.
Bengals on SI's Landon Belote argued that giving up assets for a veteran running back feels unnecessary, and some analysts have noted Kamara's age makes him a far less appealing target than he would have been a few years ago.
Head coach Kellen Moore has publicly expressed excitement about pairing Kamara with Etienne, and Kamara reported to minicamp, so there is no guarantee New Orleans moves him.
