The Los Angeles Chargers have made their intentions clear this offseason. If head coach Jim Harbaugh is building the roster to reflect his vision, the run game will sit at the center of everything. That philosophy already showed up in free agency. Now, the Chargers may not be finished yet.
Los Angeles Chargers Could Add Alvin Kamara to Revamped Ground Attack
Los Angeles has already invested heavily in strengthening its rushing identity. The Chargers committed a combined $74.8 million in contracts to key run-game personnel during free agency.
Center Tyler Biadasz signed a three-year, $30 million deal. Guard Cole Strange followed with a two-year, $13 million contract. Tight end Charlie Kolar agreed to a three-year, $24.3 million pact. Fullback Alec Ingold added another two-year, $7.5 million investment.
Taken together, the moves signal a clear priority. The Chargers are rebuilding the offensive structure to support a power-running system.
That approach fits Harbaugh’s history. His offenses have consistently leaned on physical rushing attacks and depth at running back. Establishing the ground game has long been a foundation of his coaching identity.
But the most intriguing addition might still be available.
Veteran running back Alvin Kamara could become a logical target if his situation with the New Orleans Saints changes. The Saints recently signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $52 million contract, sparking speculation about Kamara’s future.
Etienne’s arrival does not guarantee that Kamara will be traded, released, or retired. But it increases the possibility of a shift in New Orleans.
The Saints also restructured Kamara’s contract earlier, opening financial flexibility if the franchise decides to move on from the longtime star. If that happens, Los Angeles is widely viewed as a potential landing spot.
Omarion Hampton’s Injury-Shortened Rookie Season Creates an Opening
The Chargers already have a promising young running back in Omarion Hampton. However, injuries disrupted his rookie season. Hampton appeared in only 9 games, limiting his early development.
Adding Kamara could address two issues at once.
First, it would allow Hampton time to grow without the pressure of carrying a full workload. Second, it would give quarterback Justin Herbert another reliable offensive weapon. Kamara has built his reputation as one of the NFL’s most dynamic dual-threat backs.
Kamara’s Career Has Been Defined by Versatility
Selected in the third round of the 2017 draft out of Tennessee, Kamara immediately became a centerpiece of the Saints’ offense. During his first five seasons, he earned five Pro Bowl selections and established himself as one of the league’s most versatile playmakers.
As a rookie, he averaged an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. Kamara also caught 81 passes in each of his first three seasons, showcasing elite receiving ability from the backfield.
Over his career, he has accumulated 12,198 yards from scrimmage and 87 total touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the league’s most productive backs of the modern era.
The 2025 season was more challenging. Injuries forced Kamara to miss six games with knee and ankle issues, leading to the least productive season of his career. He ranked 46th in the PFSN NFL RB Impact Ranking metrics with a 48.4 grade.
Still, if healthy, the 30-year-old remains capable of contributing in a complementary role.
That scenario fits the Chargers’ roster structure. Pairing Hampton’s youth with Kamara’s experience could give Los Angeles a balanced backfield rotation. For now, the situation remains fluid.
But with a rebuilt run-blocking unit, a run-focused head coach, and a quarterback who thrives in play-action systems, the Chargers could be positioned to make another move if Kamara’s future in New Orleans changes.
