How Alvin Kamara’s suspension will impact the Saints in 2023

The NFL finally handed down its suspension to New Orleans Saints star Alvin Kamara last week, for his role in a 2022 fight in Las Vegas.

The high-profile running back will miss three games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy after getting into an altercation on the eve of last year’s Pro Bowl. Kamara had a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanour after taking a plea deal, and rumours of a possible ban has lingered throughout this offseason. Indianapolis Colts cornerback Chris Lammons was also suspended for three games for his role in the incident.

Given the severity of the crime, the Saints will probably be couldn’t themselves lucky that the ban isn’t longer. Kamara, 28, will be eligible to return for the Saints in Week 4 against divisional rivals the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but will miss games against the Titans, Panthers and Packers.

New Orleans head coach Dennis Allen said the suspension will change little about what the Saints are doing right now in preparation for the new year, but knowing the outcome a month before the season starts is helpful. 

The Saints will turn to new running back Jamaal Williams, who signed with the team in free agency after leading the league with 17 touchdowns last year while with the Detroit Lions. New Orleans also selected rookie Kendre Miller in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.

While their is a potential for a new star to breakout in Kamara’s absence, the news is unlikely to see a changing of the guard at the running back position for New Orleans. The dual-purpose back is a critical factor in the Saints’ offense, especially with Derek Carr taking over the reigns at QB this season. Kamara is a constant threat to opposition defenses and is a great complement to other playmakers on the team, such as wide receivers Chris Olave and Michael Thomas.

The former third-round pick also signed a 5-year contract extension with the Saints worth $75 million in 2020, so unless the Saints find a trade partner willing to pay what would be a substantial amount in return, it would be too expensive to move on from Kamara.

Kamara is entering his seventh NFL season, and has posted 5,135 rushing yards, 8,888 scrimmage yards and 72 all-purpose touchdowns during his time in the league. We are intrigued as are many by how the player gets on once he returns this season, and how he’s able to put this stage of his career firmly behind him.