RB Alvin Kamara is now the last remaining member of the Saints’ 2017 draft class

And then there was one...

With the New Orleans Saints trading star CB Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders for draft compensation, RB Alvin Kamara now appears to be the last remaining member of the Saints’ famous 2017 draft class, pending the expected retirement of RT Ryan Ramczyk, whose career may be cut short due to a serious knee issue.

The Saints’ 2017 NFL Draft class:

• 1.11 - Ohio State Buckeyes CB Marshon Lattimore (traded to the Commanders on Tuesday)
• 1.32 - Wisconsin Badgers OT Ryan Ramczyk (trending toward retirement with a knee injury)
• 2.42 - Utah Utes S Marcus Williams (signed with the Baltimore Ravens via FA in 2022)
• 3.67 - Tennessee Volunteers RB Alvin Kamara (recently signed a two-year $24.5M extension with the Saints)
• 3.76 - Florida Gators LB Alex Anzalone (signed with the Detroit Lions via FA in 2021)
• 3.103 - Florida Atlantic DE Trey Hendrickson (signed with the Cincinnati Bengals via FA in 2021)
• 6.196 - Miami Hurricanes DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (waived by New Orleans in 2018 and claimed by the Indianapolis Colts)

Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images

The Lattimore trade was a tough pill to swallow for most fans, and I completely understand why. However, this move reinforces what we already gathered from the firing of Dennis Allen: the Saints are finally ready to stop kicking the can down the road and hit the reset button, especially since New Orleans will be facing $31M in dead cap for 2025 following the Lattimore deal (saving more than $28M in 2026). This aligns with what interim HC Darren Rizzi indicated on Monday: it’s time to start making some changes they aren’t accustomed to making.

As for Alvin Kamara, it appears he’s aiming to follow in the footsteps of Saints legends Cameron Jordan and Marques Colston by potentially spending his entire career in black and gold.

It’s become increasingly uncommon for a running back to receive a career-long commitment from a single franchise, as it’s only happened a few times in NFL history. Some notable tailbacks who have been granted the rare gift of loyalty from their respected organizations include Walter Payton (Chicago Bears, 1975–1987), Jim Brown (Cleveland Browns, 1957–1965), Tiki Barber (New York Giants, 1997–2006), and Barry Sanders (Detroit Lions, 1989–1998).

Although following his recent extension, Kamara seems to be well on track to accomplish his goal of being a “Saint for life.” The 29-year-old is one of the most decorated ball carriers of this generation and arguably the greatest running back in Saints history, so there aren’t many players more deserving of sticking around until the end of their playing days. Kamara has repeatedly mentioned that he took Drew Brees’ advice to heart: “If you love New Orleans, it will love you back,” and that’s proven to be true throughout his career. He’s embraced this city and fan base like no other, fully embodying what it means to be a Saint and the significance of representing the fleur-de-lis on the side of his helmet. He’s openly expressed that it isn’t about the money for him at this point in his career, and he feels that he’d lose his passion for the game if he were forced to play elsewhere.