New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints running backs Latavius Murray is back under the fantasy spotlight as Alvin Kamara has become the subject of trade rumors.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Monday that Kamara had been an unexcused absence from Saints training camp for three straight days. Per Schefter, the reasoning behind the running back's absence is believed to be contract-related.

A third-round pick in 2017, Kamara is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is scheduled to make $2.1 million.

NFL insider Josina Anderson reported Tuesday the Saints are open to trading the three-time Pro Bowler. Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports added New Orleans is comfortable making Kamara among the five highest-paid running backs in the league, which would put his salary, at minimum, at $12 million per season.

However, Robinson reported Kamara is looking for a yearly salary closer to that of Carolina's Christian McCaffrey, whose offseason extension made him the highest-paid RB at just over $16 million per season.

Kamara hasn't been as dominant last season as he was in 2017-18, due in part to an ankle injury, but the 24-year-old still led the Saints with 232 touches and ranked second with 1,330 yards from scrimmage. 

Elevating Murray to the No. 1 role would be a huge blow to fantasy owners, but not necessarily a knockout punch. He's been solid the past two seasons with 1,664 yards and 14 touchdowns on 393 touches for the Minnesota Vikings. 

In 2015-16 with the Oakland Raiders, Murray was a legitimate No. 2 fantasy running back with more than 1,000 yards in both seasons and 18 total touchdowns. 

Murray was solid with 4.4 yards per carry on 146 carries with as many rushing touchdowns (five) as Kamara. 

Joining the Saints in the offseason enhanced Murray's value because of how they use running backs in the passing game. He was an effective receiver during his two best seasons with the Raiders, catching 74 combined passes and averaging a career-high 8.0 yards per catch in 2016. 

Per FanDuel's JJ Zachariason, Saints running backs are among the safest bets in fantasy football every year:

Here's how New Orleans Saints running backs have ranked in fantasy football scoring (PPR) as a team since 2011:

2018: 1st
2017: 1st
2016: 1st
2015: 2nd
2014: 1st
2013: 2nd
2012: 1st
2011: 1st

This is why the Latavius Murray signing matters.

— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) March 12, 2019

Sharing carries doesn't have to stop Murray from succeeding. He's only broken the 200-carry threshold twice in his first five seasons. Saints head coach Sean Payton seems to like the two-back system, previously pairing Kamara with Mark Ingram. 

Meanwhile, Ty Montgomery would also potentially be in line for a bigger role after signing with the team in May. He has taken on a hybrid role throughout his career, catching passes as well as receiving carries. He has averaged 4.6 yards per carry and 8.2 yards per reception.

Montgomery has averaged just 6.0 touches per game (rushing attempts and receptions combined) throughout his career, and he has just 10 touchdowns in five seasons. As a result, he has never been a major impact player for fantasy owners. But should Kamara's contract standoff continue or result in a trade, Montgomery could see a bigger-than-expected role with the Saints.

Taysom Hill is an intriguing option because he's been used primarily as a runner over the past two seasons. The 30-year-old was a touchdown machine in 2019 with seven scores on just 46 touches. 

The former BYU star is only owned in two percent of Yahoo and five percent of ESPN leagues, per Fantasy Pros. 

Given that the Saints invested $16 million guaranteed to re-sign Hill in the offseason, it seems likely Payton will use him a lot more in the offense. That could make him worth a flex spot on your team if Kamara is not part of the Saints offense.

Murray figures to be the primary option for New Orleans at the goal line for touchdowns should Kamara not play for the Saints. He's got the power to run through defensive lines in those short-yardage situations. 

The New Orleans Saints are reportedly "open to trading" star running back Alvin Kamara, according to Josina Anderson. 

The rumor comes as Kamara reportedly sits out while seeking a new contract, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday. The fourth-year player has unexcused absences from training camp over at least three days.

After speaking with the star running back and his agent, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Kamara hasn't asked for a trade:

Spoke to #Saints RB Alvin Kamara and his agent and neither has asked for or demanded a trade. As of today, they thought they were actively negotiating and making progress on an extension. Kamara has never threatened to hold out and has been in the building every day.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2020

Kamara is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and has just a $2.4 million cap hit for 2020, which ranks 30th in the NFL among running backs, per Spotrac.

It also comes after the Cincinnati Bengals signed running back Joe Mixon to a four-year extension Tuesday worth $48 million, per Rapoport.

Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports provided more details on the new contract negotiations:

On the Alvin Kamara situation with the #Saints, I'm told that right now, the team is comfortable making him a top 5 paid RB ($12+ mil per season). But Kamara's number is pushing more toward the #Panthers' Christian McCaffrey extension ($16+ mil per). That's a pretty wide chasm.

— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) September 1, 2020

Kamara has been one of the most exciting running backs in the NFL since entering the league in 2017, tallying at least 1,300 yards from scrimmage and earning a Pro Bowl selection each season. He has 81 receptions in each of his three campaigns and, although his scoring numbers were down in 2019, he still has 38 touchdowns in his career.

Trading this type of playmaker would be especially surprising for a team that has high expectations.

After going 13-3 in each of the last two seasons, the squad is one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl with 11-1 odds, per Caesars Palace.

Even with an elite receiver in Michael Thomas and a proven quarterback in Drew Brees, the offense would likely take a step back without Kamara.

Latavius Murray played well when given the opportunity last season, finishing with 637 rushing yards, 235 receiving yards and six total touchdowns. There are also veteran options on the open market, including Leonard Fournette and Devonta Freeman.

However, the Saints would have a tough time replicating Kamara's production in 2020 if they were to make a trade. 

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has reportedly missed the last three days of training camp with an unexcused absence, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The absence is believed to be contract related with the 25-year-old heading into the final year of his rookie deal.

Head coach Sean Payton wouldn't confirm if Kamara was out with an injury.

"I really don't want to get into that at this time," he said Monday, per Rod Walker of the Times-Picayune.

According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, talks between the two sides have gotten "closer" on a new deal.

The 2017 third-round pick has been one of the best values in football during his career, making slightly less than $2.9 million across his first three seasons combined, per Spotrac. His $2.4 million cap hit for 2020 ranks 30th among NFL running backs.

Kamara has received a Pro Bowl nod in each of his three seasons and won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2017. He has tallied more than 1,300 yards from scrimmage each year and ranks second in the NFL in all-purpose yards during this stretch, trailing only Christian McCaffrey. 

McCaffrey signed a four-year, $64 million extension this offseason.

Whether his missed practices are due to a holdout or another reason, an extended absence would be devastating for a Saints team with high expectations in 2020.

Not only did Kamara lead New Orleans in rushing last year, but he also ranked second on the team with 81 receptions. He is a key part of an offense that ranked third in the NFL in points scored despite playing without Drew Brees for a significant stretch.

Latavius Murray would likely fill in for Kamara if needed, as he did adequately last season, while Ty Montgomery could also see extra snaps in the backfield.

New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans owner Gayle Benson recently tested positive for the coronavirus.

Saints and Pelicans vice president of communications Greg Bensel told Amie Just and Ramon Antonio Vargas of NOLA.com that Benson tested positive a couple of weeks ago and has been "under daily medical care, and she continues to feel better each day."

The Saints released the following statement on her condition:

Statement on Saints owner Gayle Benson: pic.twitter.com/2vRAEtY6Q6

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 28, 2020

Bensel said Benson has not been hospitalized and is "doing very well in her recovery" at her home in New Orleans.

Saints head coach Sean Payton was the first prominent member of the NFL confirmed to have tested positive for the coronavirus back in March.

In 2004, Gayle married Tom Benson, who had owned the Saints since 1985. He also bought the New Orleans Hornets in 2012 and later renamed them the Pelicans.

Upon Tom's death in 2018 at the age of 90, Gayle became the principal owner of the Saints and Pelicans.

The 73-year-old is one of 10 women who currently own an NFL team.

While the Pelicans failed to make the playoffs this season after struggling during the restart in the NBA bubble in Orlando, Florida, there are high hopes for the Saints in 2020.

The Saints have won the NFC South in each of the past three seasons, but they have been unable to return to the Super Bowl since winning it at the conclusion of the 2009 season.

With future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees to lead a high-powered offense that includes wide receiver Michael Thomas and running back Alvin Kamara, the Saints are among the top picks to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall posted a video on social media of an incident in which someone called the police on him as he attempted to move into his new home. 

The details of what led up to the incident are unclear. In the video, Marshall said the white man shown standing in a doorway who appears to be a security guard called the police because Marshall wasn't on a list to enter the premises:

https://twitter.com/SCAR_179NY/status/1299003295416057858

Another person was shown on the phone as Marshall expressed his frustrations. The police officer who arrived on the scene stood there peacefully throughout the video.

"It's Real!!! I was so disappointed in myself for getting so emotional with my kids in the car BUT then I realized that being numb isn't an option anymore," Marshall wrote in the Instagram caption of the video.

It's unknown what happened after the video stopped.

Marshall posted an additional Instagram video calling on people to vote to help enact social change:

"I've been watching and processing the same injustice and unrest as you all the last few months. We have experienced this pain our entire life. The awareness and conversations being started by protests are great, but it can't end there. I'm tired of talking that leads to nowhere. I'm calling on powerful networks to take a chance and showcase the most important message in our country right now. The path toward real change flows through the ballot box. The power belongs in the people's hands. I'm not telling you to vote or who to vote for. I'm reminding you that you CAN vote. It is your RIGHT to have your voice heard."

Marshall, 36, made six Pro Bowls during his NFL career and last played for the New Orleans Saints in 2018. 

Former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston rarely dropped passes in his NFL career, but he's about to drop some knowledge on students at the University of New Orleans.

Colston announced Tuesday that he will be an adjunct professor at the college for the fall semester:

Five years ago when I retired from football I wouldn’t have guessed I’d find a passion in teaching and education. Yet, here we are.

I’m excited to start as an adjunct professor at @UofNO this fall.

It’ll be an interesting semester, but I’m ready to attack the new challenge.

— Marques Colston (@MarquesColston) August 25, 2020

The Super Bowl XLIV champion did not say what subject he would be teaching. Colston attended Hofstra, earning a degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Hofstra and Colston collaborated on the Marques Colston Fellowship and other programs for student-athletes and students pursuing degrees in health fields last year.

The New Orleans Saints' quest for a Super Bowl title and Jadeveon Clowney's desire to make good money on a contender seem like a perfect match for the 2020 season. 

Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead made a clear statement about the team's expectation for the upcoming term, per NFL.com's Kevin Patra.

"It's gotta be Super Bowl or bust in all honesty," Armstead said. "That's it. It's not really anything else past that. It's Super Bowl or bust. We don't get to the big dance, it's a failure of a season. That's it."

For consecutive offseasons, Drew Brees has contemplated retirement. At 41 years old, he's going into what could be his last campaign.

Unless the Saints think backup quarterbacks Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston can lead them deep into the playoffs, the front office should load the roster while the team has an open Super Bowl window, with the all-time leader in passing yards (77,416) and touchdowns (547) under center for at least another year.

Despite fielding the third-highest scoring offense in 2019, New Orleans signed Emmanuel Sanders to fill a void at the No. 2 wide receiver spot. On the defensive side of the ball, the Saints ranked third in sacks (51) and second in quarterback pressures (179). Fifteen players recorded at least one sack. 

Yet, for the Saints, only Cameron Jordan topped seven sacks in 2019. Fellow defensive end Marcus Davenport was second on the team with six, but he missed three games because of a Lisfranc injury.

Although Davenport made significant strides last season, he's undergone three surgeries (thumb, toe and foot) in two years. Because of his absences and a rotation on the right side of the line, the UTSA product has played less than 51 percent of the defensive snaps in both of his campaigns.

The Saints would like to see Davenport finish the upcoming term healthy while developing into a complete defender, though that's a shaky expectation after he's missed six games.

Skeptics may question whether Clowney's presence would stunt Davenport's growth. On a positive note, the three-time Pro Bowler would strengthen the defensive line's rotation with his ability to pressure quarterbacks and seal the edge against the run. 

On the surface, Clowney had a down 2019 campaign, recording 31 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks in 13 games. He still tied for 27th leaguewide in quarterback pressures (30).

Ross Jackson of the Canal Street Chronicles offered an explanation for Clowney's drop-off in production and a reason why he could bounce back with the Saints:

"Clowney's 592 total defensive snaps along the defensive line (not just pass rush snaps) were split among both sides of the defensive line. 319 on the left side, and 235 on the right side, with the remaining snaps spread about. However, in 2018, Clowney was much more focused playing the majority of his snaps along the right side only; 683 of 795.

"Clowney's drop in production last season can easily be connected to his being required to move around a lot more than he is accustomed to doing. In New Orleans, that would not be an issue at all, as Cam Jordan holds down the left edge while Davenport tends to rotate with the aforementioned Saints trio on the right side."

In an NFC South division with quarterbacks Tom Brady and Matt Ryan, the Saints should ensure they have a pass rush that's equipped to apply pressure in spite of injuries, especially with the possibility of COVID-19-related absences. Star wide receiver Michael Thomas seems to believe the defensive line could make room for another playmaker:

Clowney to New Orleans or I don’t want to hear it 🖤⚜️

— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) July 25, 2020

After a 28-23 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round, Clowney spoke candidly about his ideal destination, per ESPN's Brady Henderson:

"I just want to win. I'm trying to get to the Super Bowl by any means. That's what I'm looking for: Who's going to get me there? ... I ain't gonna put my body through all of that just to lose no 16 games, go home with my check. I'd hate that, so that ain't what I'm doing. So if I can't win no Super Bowl, I ain't going to no team that can't win."

New Orleans has won three consecutive division titles going into the 2020 season. Although Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will pose a tough challenge, the Saints won't give up the crown so easily with the core of their roster intact. Clowney can join a ready-made contender that has a chance to win a title.

NBC Sports' Peter King told Paul Kuharsky of Midday 180 that he thinks Clowney has set his floor price at $15 million annually. If that's the case, the Saints can shed or restructure a couple of contracts to make room for him. They currently have $7.3 million in cap space, per Over the Cap.

With Clowney, Mario Edwards Jr., who played just 293 snaps on the line last year, could become expendable. C.J. Gardner-Johnson and P.J. Williams can handle slot duties, leaving Patrick Robinson without a clear pathway to playing time in his age-33 term.

Perhaps Clowney and the Saints can come to a middle ground on a one-year deal. Initially, he aimed for approximately $20 million annually, per ESPN's Dianna Russini. The seventh-year veteran may have to settle for the best contract on the table unless he's serious about sitting out for a bigger deal next offseason.

Neither side absolutely needs the other in this scenario.

However, Clowney's desire to win certainly fits with the team that boasts the league's best record since 2017 (37-11). Furthermore, he'll likely see some one-on-one situations with Jordan commanding most of the attention on the opposite end. Those favorable matchups may result in a higher sack total and, subsequently, a bigger payout on the free-agent market in 2021.

Jordan had pass-rushing help on the interior from defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins during the 2018 term (eight sacks), though he hasn't played with a complementary edge defender of Clowney's caliber in recent years. Davenport is coming along, but his injuries raise some concerns.

In 2019, the San Francisco 49ers' dominant defensive line became a vital component to their Super Bowl run. Although the Niners came up short to the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans can copy the formula to improve its 13th-ranked scoring defense from last year. With top-10 units on both sides of the ball, the Saints would increase their chance at an appearance in the title game.

As the hourglass on Brees' career runs out of sand, this is the time to take an aggressive approach in adding a high-end playmaker to a Super Bowl-contending roster.     

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara suggested Friday he isn't concerned about his contract situation entering the 2020 season.

During an appearance on NFL Network's Inside Training Camp Live on Friday (h/t NFL.com), Kamara made it clear his focus is on getting ready for the season: "I don't know where we at. I'm here working, I'm here practicing. Whenever that gets handled, it gets handled. I'm just doing what I gotta do for now."

Kamara is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2020 and is set to make $2.1 million, per Spotrac.

The 25-year-old has been named a Pro Bowler in each of his three NFL seasons, but his numbers last season were down considerably from the previous year.

In 2018, Kamara rushed for 883 yards and 14 touchdowns and caught 81 passes for 709 yards and four scores. Last season, though, he had 797 yards rushing and just five touchdowns along with 81 receptions for 533 yards and one score.

Kamara was limited to 14 games and made just nine starts last season as he worked through ankle and knee injuries. He said Friday he is hoping to bounce back in a big way in 2020:

"Honestly, I just want to go out and be the best version of me. Obviously, last year with injuries I was kinda held back, didn't get to really do what I wanted to do. I was on pace the first couple of games and was feeling great. I just want to show what everybody's used to and that's a powerful, explosive, highlight-making running back. So that's what I'm focused on."

Kamara is likely the second-best pass-catching running back in the league behind the Carolina Panthers' Christian McCaffrey, as he has reeled in 81 receptions in each of his first three seasons. If he can maintain that skill and get back to the rushing success he enjoyed in 2018, he could be in line for a massive contract.

While Kamara will once again have to share backfield duties with Latavius Murray, who could cut into his short-yardage and goal-line work, he should receive the bulk of the playing time since he is a favorite weapon of quarterback Drew Brees in the passing game.

The Saints have won the NFC South in each of the past three campaigns, but they have been unable to reach the Super Bowl.

If they have a healthy and productive Kamara in 2020, however, their chances of playing for a championship should increase significantly.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees promised to do better after conflating kneeling in protest of systemic racism during the national anthem with disrespecting the U.S. flag in early June.  

It was the second apology Brees issued following an interview with Daniel Roberts of Yahoo Finance and one in which he vowed to become an ally in the movement towards social justice. 

The contrition was needed after the quarterback's comments rattled players in his own locker room. Two months later, as training camp gets underway, Brees' continued discussions with his teammates have allowed the roster to educate each other and grow closer.

"I think if anything, the team is probably closer for it, because we've had to have those tough conversations," Malcolm Jenkins told reporters on Thursday. "Oftentimes those adversities or those intimate kind of engagements bring people closer. And I think this is no exception."

Jenkins was an immediate and outspoken critic of Brees', taking to Instagram to display his shock at someone he "considered a friend" and "looked up to." The veteran safety has participated in protests during the national anthem by raising his fist and has taken his demands to end systemic racism and police brutality to both Capitol Hill and the opinion section of The Washington Post.

The 32-year-old began his career in New Orleans before spending six years with the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed a four-year, $32 million deal to return to the Saints in March. Conflict sprung up in the locker room before the season even started. 

"I feel like me and Drew were friends long before 2020 and obviously the dialogue that he and I had to have publicly, but also privately, I think was important for the country to do and important for us to do," Jenkins said. "And I think that even moving past that moment, it's gonna be ongoing. But as far as a friendship, the willingness for both of us to engage in that dialogue has been cooperative and been encouraging."

For his part, Brees has continued to own up to his comments and stand behind his teammates and activists fighting for a more just future. 

"All of our goals are aligned," Brees previously told reporters during camp. "This is not about me. Our focus as a team and group of leaders is on this season and all the things we can accomplish together for social justice."

There are few stadiums as difficult to play in for opposing teams as the New Orleans Saints' Mercedes-Benz Superdome, but Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will not have to worry about opposing fans during Week 1 of the 2020 season on Sept. 13.

On Wednesday, Saints President Dennis Lauscha announced there will not be any fans at the home opener because of the COVID-19 pandemic:

"While we have put together a comprehensive plan that will allow us to safely host fans at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, that plan has always been dependent on how effectively we, as a community and region, are battling Covid-19. We have given this situation as much time as possible to see the type of improvement necessary to welcome fans into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, but unfortunately, medical experts indicate that trends are not improving rapidly enough for us to begin the season with fan attendance. As we have noted, while we are not allowing fans in the first home game, we remain cautiously optimistic that fans may be able to attend our September 27 game vs. Green Bay, but stress that fans need to remain flexible and adaptable in case we cannot."

The team's announcement noted Saints officials met with Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and health and safety experts before reaching this conclusion.

It also explained the team will not be able to host fans until the region meets a number of criteria, including a lower positivity rate of testing and the ability of the health care system to handle those who test positive.

The Saints also urged fans to wear masks, maintain social distancing and wash their hands to limit the spread of the virus and make it more likely they can host spectators later in the season.

In late July, Betsy Klein of CNN reported White House coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx privately told state and local health officials there was a concern about rising positive cases in 12 cities, a list which included New Orleans.

When the NFL schedule was released, this opener between the Buccaneers and Saints stood out as one of the most intriguing ones on the slate. After all, Brady and the Buccaneers are chasing the Saints, who have won three straight NFC South crowns, in the division.

There figures to be plenty of offensive fireworks as well with Brady, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Rob Gronkowski on one side and Drew Brees, Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara on the other.