The Baltimore Ravens made headlines this offseason by signing Derrick Henry, one of the most dominant power backs in the modern NFL era. But as the team continues to chase its elusive Super Bowl title, one trade pitch is stirring conversation — pairing Henry with another high-profile, explosive back to form the league’s most fearsome rushing duo.
That running back? New Orleans Saints’ star Alvin Kamara.
Kamara, who is set to carry a $41 million cap hit over the next two seasons, has been the subject of trade speculation due to the Saints’ ongoing salary cap constraints. The Ravens, who have made bold moves in recent years to surround Lamar Jackson with elite playmakers, could be the ideal landing spot for Kamara.
Why the Ravens Would Make the Move
Baltimore has always been a run-first offense, and while Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry offer a dynamic 1-2 punch, Kamara brings a completely different skillset — elite pass-catching ability, change-of-pace quickness, and unmatched versatility. In 2023, Kamara logged over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and continued to be a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties alike.
Pairing Kamara with Henry would allow the Ravens to field a multi-dimensional backfield where either player could line up in the slot, catch passes out of the backfield, or wear down defenses with punishing runs. It’s the kind of move that offensive coordinator Todd Monken could dream up endless schemes for — and one that would keep defensive coordinators up at night.
Financial Hurdles and Potential Compensation
Of course, Kamara’s $41 million remaining salary cap hit over the next two years makes this more than a fantasy football move. The Ravens would likely need to restructure Kamara’s deal or have New Orleans eat a portion of the contract. In return, the Saints could seek a Day 2 draft pick or a young defensive player to help shore up their roster.
For Baltimore, it’s an all-in move that fits their current window. With Henry likely to take on more of the early-down and goal-line workload, Kamara could remain fresh and thrive in third-down and receiving situations — a role he has already excelled in throughout his career.
A Super Bowl-Caliber Backfield
The idea of Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Alvin Kamara in the same backfield almost sounds unfair. But with the Ravens pushing chips to the center of the table and doing whatever it takes to reach the Super Bowl, such a blockbuster trade might be exactly the kind of splash that defines their 2025 campaign.
While it’s only a pitch for now, the pairing of Henry and Kamara would not only make the Ravens more dangerous — it could redefine how NFL offenses view the running back position.
