Assessing The New Orleans Saints Running Backs Prior To Free Agency
There is a lot of excitement surrounding newly hired New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and an almost entirely new offensive staff. One critical area expected to improve is the team's rushing attack.
In two years under defensive-minded head coach Dennis Allen, the Saints have averaged less than 110 yards on the ground and just 3.9 per carry. They've been held to under 100 yards rushing in 16 of 34 games, going 5-11 in those contests. In 2023, the Saints ranked 21st in rushing production with only 102.5 yards per game, with a pathetic average of 3.6 per rush ranking second worst in the league.
These lowly numbers were achieved despite the presence of dynamic threats Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill and the additions of backs Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller last season. An underachieving offensive line deserves a large share of the blame, but Kubiak and his staff must revamp the entire system.
While plenty of work on the offensive line is needed, there is also a lot of backfield talent for Kubiak and staff to work with. NFL.com writer Kevin Patra assessed the backfield situation for each NFL team. Here's what Patra had to say about the Saints.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Top RBs under contract for 2024: Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, Kendre Miller, James Robinson (reserve/futures)
Key free agents: Eno Benjamin (UFA), Adam Prentice (FB; RFA)
I understand the thought that Kamara could be cut or traded, given his age, contract and waning production. I simply don't subscribe to the idea. Kamara remains the Saints' best backfield option. Saints brass is in win-now mode, and Kamara is part of that calculus. I do think Kamara, turning 29 in July, fits well into the type of offense Klint Kubiak will run. Miller deserves more reps in Year 2 after flashing down the stretch. And the Saints actually need to use Williams at the goal line. Of all the frustrating parts of the New Orleans season, the fact that they signed a goal-line TD maker in the offseason and refused to use him in that role was among the top hair-pullers. Made no sense. Hopefully, Kubiak has better designs.
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (21) runs the ball as Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) and linebacker Frankie Luvu (49) defend. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY
Forget the ridiculous rumors that Kamara may be traded or released for cap purposes. These come from national media that has no idea how the Saints operate their cap and are too lazy to learn.
One look at Christian McCaffrey's production in San Francisco with two years under Kubiak is enough to know that he's got to be salivating at the idea of working with Kamara. In 26 regular season games since joining the 49ers, McCaffrey has 2,205 rushing yards, including an NFL-best 1,459 last year. He also has 119 catches for 1,028 yards and an eye-popping 31 touchdowns.
Kamara isn't quite the runner that McCaffrey is, but he has elite balance, vision, and underrated power. His ability to run the route tree of a seasoned Pro Bowl wideout also makes him a better receiver than McCaffrey. All signs point to Kamara having a huge season in this offensive system.
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (25) runs against the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY
Expect Williams to also have a bigger contribution. After an NFL-high 17 rushing touchdowns and 1,066 rushing yards with Detroit in 2022, Williams had only 306 yards and one score for New Orleans. Kubiak's system is a downhill, one-cut scheme that should be perfectly suited for Kamara's versatility and the power of Williams.
Miller looks to have just scratched the surface of his vast potential. Despite dealing with injuries most of his rookie year, he flashed explosive traits both as a runner and receiver. Taysom Hill's power, burst, and versatility puts any defense to the test. Don't be surprised if Kubiak finds even more ways to use Hill and his jack-of-all-trades skills.
The New Orleans Saints have several needs to address this offseason. Backfield talent isn't one of them. The only challenge to Klint Kubiak, new run game coordinator Rick Dennison, and new RB coach Derrick Foster is unlocking the full potential of this position for a better offense in 2024.
