The Buffalo Bills enter the 2026 season carrying renewed optimism after suffering yet another heartbreaking playoff defeat in 2025. For a franchise that has consistently reached the postseason but fallen short of ultimate success, this upcoming campaign represents a critical opportunity to push through and make a deeper run.
Front office decisions this offseason reflect a clear determination to address lingering weaknesses while building on existing strengths.
Last season, Buffalo’s aerial attack, anchored by star quarterback Josh Allen, lacked the explosive quality fans had grown accustomed to seeing in prior years. At times, the passing game appeared stagnant, forcing the team to lean heavily on its ground attack for balance and momentum. Fortunately, running back James Cook emerged as a dominant force, rushing for a league-leading 1,621 yards and becoming the reliable foundation that kept the offense moving forward week after week.
To inject new life into the receiving corps surrounding Allen, the Bills made notable additions during the offseason. They acquired veteran wide receiver DJ Moore through a trade with the Chicago Bears and added depth by selecting Skyler Bell in the fourth round of the draft.
These moves signaled an intent to revitalize the passing game, yet some observers argue that further roster enhancements are still necessary to maximize the potential of offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s scheme.
One prominent NFL analyst suggests that Buffalo should explore another strategic trade before the season begins—this time targeting a veteran running back to complement Cook.
FOX Sports writer Greg Auman has identified New Orleans Saints standout Alvin Kamara as a strong candidate who could become available, positioning the Bills among the most logical destinations for the accomplished back.
“They’ve [The Saints have] moved on from key veterans from those final Drew Brees playoff teams in the last year, and Kamara makes sense as the next one to go. Kamara has maintained that he wants to finish his career with the Saints, so the threat of him retiring rather than reporting to a new team might lessen what the Saints can get,” Auman wrote.
Auman highlighted an important personal connection that could make the move appealing for both sides. Newly hired Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael spent nearly two decades with the Saints organization, including 14 seasons as their offensive coordinator from 2009 through 2023. His familiarity with Kamara’s playing style and preferences could prove valuable if Buffalo decides to pursue the veteran.
Even though Kamara has passed his peak athletic years, the 30-year-old remains capable of delivering meaningful production when placed in a suitable environment. Throughout his career, he has excelled as a receiving threat out of the backfield, a skill set that would align seamlessly with Buffalo’s offensive philosophy.
In this system, Kamara could serve effectively as a safety valve for Allen on check-downs and short routes, adding another layer of versatility.
Pairing Kamara with the explosive Cook would create one of the most formidable running back tandems across the entire league. Their contrasting yet complementary abilities—Cook’s speed and vision combined with Kamara’s elusiveness and receiving prowess—could give opposing defenses constant matchup problems and elevate the overall effectiveness of the ground game.
Of course, any potential deal for Kamara carries notable uncertainty. The five-time Pro Bowler has publicly expressed a strong desire to remain with the Saints for the duration of his career. He even suggested last season that he might choose retirement over playing elsewhere if traded.
“I just got to keep my head down,” Kamara said last October. “And I don’t know, if I was a GM, I guess I would go to the player and be like, ‘Hey, we’re trading you. Just so you know.’ So, if (Saints general manager) Mickey (Loomis) come downstairs and says that, then I’m going to go drink a piña colada somewhere.”
Despite experiencing a relatively subdued 2025 campaign, Kamara still possesses the talent and football intelligence to contribute at a high level. Should he prove willing to embrace a new chapter away from New Orleans, the Bills would be wise to initiate discussions with the Saints.
Acquiring the 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year could provide Buffalo with an additional dynamic weapon, further strengthening their offense and bringing them one step closer to finally overcoming past postseason disappointments.
