The New Orleans Saints are once again staring at a difficult financial offseason. Running back Alvin Kamara carries an $18.6 million cap hit in 2026, and a release before June 1 would barely help the franchise financially, but a post-June 1 designation would create meaningful savings. If the Saints decide flexibility matters more than familiarity, here are three teams that make sense.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are always trying to improve their offense via trades and free agency, and now could be the perfect time to cash in. With Patrick Mahomes under center, the offense revolves around creativity. In recent years, the run game has lacked consistency, and with both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt entering free agency, it might be time for another running back.
Hunt finished ranked 22nd in PFSN’s RB Impact Rankings this past season. Kamara would be able to play all over the offense, and the Chiefs could line him up in the slot, motion him into space, and force linebackers to cover in space.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are not as needy at running back as at other positions, but that does not eliminate the possibility. J.K. Dobbins provided solid production for the Broncos last season, even though he got injured.
Dobbins missed almost half of the season due to a foot injury, and rookie RJ Harvey was left to pick up the slack with some support. Before he got injured, Dobbins had been Denver’s best back. By PFSN’s NFL RB Impact Metric, he ranked 29th among 53 qualifiers in 2025. Harvey ranked 47th with an “F” grade.
You also have to realize what Sean Payton brings to the table. Payton helped design Kamara’s most productive seasons in New Orleans. He understands how to maximize his skill set, particularly in the passing game. If Denver wants a veteran presence who can protect a young offense and operate in multiple roles, Kamara makes sense.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins check a lot of boxes, and since their offense has been built on speed and space, Kamara could excel. Kamara has proven to be an excellent protector in the passing game, and pairing him with Tua Tagovailoa could help elevate the Dolphins’ offense to the next level.
The Dolphins have been struggling recently, but Kamara could offer several roles in offense. However, Miami would have to figure out how to address its cap space in order to make it work on paper.
