Who Will Step Up at Running Back Behind Alvin Kamara for the Saints?
With Alvin Kamara’s dynamic presence anchoring the Saints’ backfield, New Orleans is once again hoping to pack a punch on the ground this season. Kamara remains the focal point, bringing his rare mix of agility, pass-catching prowess, and explosive playmaking qualities that make him a five-time Pro Bowler and a constant threat. Still, head coach Kellen Moore recognizes that Kamara will need a proper complement, a reliable back who can help diversify the offense and keep the load balanced throughout the year. Several candidates are in the mix, offering a blend of youth, versatility, and NFL experience. The coming months will determine who earns that coveted role as Kamara’s running mate.
Kendre Miller is the most intriguing option to step up behind Kamara. A third-round pick in 2023, Miller flashed potential before injuries derailed his rookie season, limiting his impact. When healthy, he has shown an intense downhill burst and capable pass-catching skills, making him a natural fit as a change-of-pace option. Staying on the field consistently will be crucial for him to earn a bigger role. If he can stay healthy, he could become the perfect complement to Kamara’s style and help take pressure off the star back.
The Saints’ 2025 sixth-round pick, Devin Neal, brings a physical running style and a track record as a reliable 1,000-yard rusher in college. His bruising approach could give New Orleans a short-yardage weapon that keeps chains moving in challenging situations. A training camp hamstring injury has already sidelined him for several weeks, slowing his progress. While this setback might delay his early contributions, his blocking and tough running could make him valuable later in the season. If Neal returns to form, he could carve out a niche role that wears down defenses and balances Kamara’s finesse.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire offers something different: a veteran presence with a Super Bowl ring and proven production at the NFL level. Known for his versatility and situational awareness, he can be a dependable option to spell Kamara and keep the offense moving. His experience could be especially valuable early in the season as younger backs adjust to the league. Edwards-Helaire’s ball security and ability to contribute on special teams only add to his appeal for Moore’s offense. His familiarity with high-pressure games could also help the Saints in late-season playoff pushes.
Velus Jones Jr. is not a traditional running back, but his speed and flexibility could still make him an asset in the backfield mix. Capable of lining up at receiver or taking carries out of the backfield, Jones adds a gadget-style wrinkle that could keep defenses guessing. His return skills also give him a chance to contribute in multiple phases of the game. Moore could use Jones creatively to stretch the field horizontally and open space for Kamara. That versatility might earn him situational touches even if he is not a primary backup.
Alvin Kamara remains the cornerstone of the Saints’ offensive attack, but Kellen Moore’s challenge will be finding the right mix of support behind him. Kendre Miller’s upside is tantalizing if he can stay healthy, while Devin Neal offers physicality once he recovers from injury. Clyde Edwards-Helaire brings steadiness and veteran know-how, providing reliability when it’s needed most. Velus Jones Jr. offers creativity and flexibility to keep defenses on edge. With this mix of styles and skills, New Orleans has several strong options to find Kamara’s ideal running mate for the 2025 season.
