Saints have an enormous shoe drop coming quickly
The Saints have made savvy strikes this offseason to improve its offense, however one factor nonetheless looms behind the franchise’s thoughts: Alvin Kamara’s impending suspension.
New Orleans Saints followers are rightfully excited for the upcoming season after the previous couple of years of quarterback instability. The period of Derek Carr begins in 2023, and fingers crossed, will probably be a memorable one.
Apart from seeing Derek Carr clad in black-and-gold for the primary time, NOLA has different issues to stay up for, like Michael Thomas’ wholesome return and the regular developments of younger receivers like Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave.
Within the operating sport, nonetheless, the Saints have a bleaker future since their on-the-ground manufacturing might hinge on the potential suspension of their high operating again.
In February of 2022, Alvin Kamara was arrested on battery charges for an alleged assault in Las Vegas, a day earlier than Kamara would play within the Professional Bowl at Allegiant Stadium.
As a result of nature of the continued authorized proceedings, Kamara was allowed to play in full for the 2022 season. Now, nonetheless, the star operating again has to face the music and probably get slapped with a extreme punishment relying on what the league decides.
In March of 2023, Kamara pleaded not responsible to his cost. He and the Saints await a July 31 trial date, at which level the decide will ship a verdict.
Saints maintain their breath for Alvin Kamara’s imminent suspension
It’s virtually sure that Kamara will obtain a suspension of some sort — the one query is how lengthy.
Some across the league estimate a six-game suspension, and that would enhance or lower primarily based on whether or not Kamara is discovered responsible come July.
It’s value noting that July 31 falls throughout NFL coaching camp, when Saints operating backs will probably be competing for high pecking order on the depth chart. And compete, they are going to.
Kamara stands because the workforce’s RB1 given his expertise and expertise, however latest acquisition and former Lions stud Jamaal Williams might make a push for that beginning spot early on, particularly if Kamara has to overlook a big chunk of the 2023 season. NOLA then rotated and drafted Kendre Miller within the third spherical, who appears mentally able to assume a workhorse position.
At 27 years outdated, Kamara might moreover expertise a decline in his seventh season in NOLA. He did, in spite of everything, come off a down 12 months in 2022 with simply two speeding touchdowns all season lengthy. Final season was additionally the primary by which Kamara did not earn a Professional Bowl nod after receiving that recognition within the earlier 5 consecutive seasons.
With a extra secure beginning quarterback in Derek Carr, the Saints ought to be capable of bounce again in 2023 regardless of their shaky operating again state of affairs. Dropping Kamara for a handful of video games will damage, but NOLA’s roster appears deep sufficient to remain aggressive in his absence and nonetheless put collectively a playoff-contending marketing campaign.
