DONE DEAL: Cowboys Get Huge Upgrade with Superstar Running Back in Blockbuster Trade with Saints

Dallas, TX – April 25, 2025 – The Dallas Cowboys have made a seismic move just hours before the 2025 NFL Draft, securing a blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Saints to acquire superstar running back Alvin Kamara. The trade, finalized late Thursday night, addresses the Cowboys’ long-standing struggles in the ground game and signals their intent to compete for a Super Bowl title this season.

Kamara, a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s most dynamic dual-threat running backs, joins Dallas in exchange for the Cowboys’ No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a third-round pick (No. 76), and a 2026 second-round pick. The Saints also sent a 2025 fifth-round pick to Dallas as part of the deal. The trade ends months of speculation about Kamara’s future in New Orleans, where his $25 million compensation package for 2025 had become a financial burden for the cap-strapped Saints.

The Cowboys’ rushing attack has been among the league’s worst, ranking sixth-fewest in yards last season with just three runs of over 20 yards—the fewest in the NFL. Kamara, 29, brings an immediate upgrade with his elusive running style and pass-catching ability. Since entering the league in 2017, Kamara has amassed 5,829 rushing yards and 4,219 receiving yards, along with 77 total touchdowns. His versatility as a three-down back is expected to transform Dallas’ offense, providing quarterback Dak Prescott with a reliable weapon both on the ground and through the air.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, known for his bold moves, didn’t shy away from the spotlight. “Alvin is a difference-maker, plain and simple,” Jones said in a press conference this morning. “We’ve been looking for a spark in our running game, and we believe he’s the guy to take us to the next level.” Head coach Mike McCarthy echoed the sentiment, adding, “Kamara’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways gives us a lot of flexibility. He’s a proven winner, and we’re thrilled to have him.”

For the Saints, the trade provides much-needed draft capital and cap relief. Kamara’s departure clears his hefty 2025 salary from their books, allowing them to focus on rebuilding with younger, cheaper talent. The No. 12 pick gives New Orleans a chance to target a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders or address other roster holes, while the additional picks bolster their draft arsenal for future years. Saints GM Mickey Loomis called the decision “bittersweet,” noting Kamara’s immense contributions to the franchise but emphasizing the need to plan for the future.

The trade has sparked a mix of reactions among fans and analysts. Cowboys supporters are ecstatic, flooding social media with posts celebrating the arrival of a proven star. “Kamara with Dak and CeeDee? We’re unstoppable now!” one fan wrote on X, where the hashtag #KamaraToDallas quickly trended. However, some Saints fans expressed frustration, with one posting, “Trading a legend like Alvin for picks? This better be worth it.”

Analysts are divided on the trade’s long-term implications. While Kamara’s addition undoubtedly boosts Dallas’ offense, his age and recent injury history—he missed five games in 2024 due to various ailments—raise concerns about durability. The Cowboys are also taking on a significant financial commitment, with Kamara’s $25 million salary for 2025 pushing their cap situation tighter. On the flip side, the Saints’ decision to trade Kamara rather than release him outright ensures they get value in return, a move praised by some as a smart business decision given their financial constraints.

The trade also shifts the narrative around the Cowboys’ draft strategy. Many expected Dallas to target Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, the 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up, with their first-round pick. Jeanty, who rushed for 2,601 yards last season, was seen as a potential long-term solution at running back. Instead, the Cowboys opted for a proven veteran in Kamara, prioritizing immediate impact over future potential. With Jeanty still on the board, the Saints could now draft him at No. 12, potentially securing their own running back of the future.

Kamara, who arrived in Dallas early this morning, spoke briefly with reporters. “I’m excited for this new chapter,” he said, sporting a Cowboys cap. “Dallas has a great team, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help us win.” He’s expected to make his debut with the Cowboys in their season opener, though the team has yet to confirm his role in the backfield alongside veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders.

As the NFL Draft kicks off tonight, the Cowboys’ trade for Kamara has already stolen the headlines, setting the stage for a dramatic season in Dallas. With a revitalized offense and a clear win-now mentality, the Cowboys are betting big on Kamara to lead them back to playoff glory. Whether this blockbuster deal will pay off—or become a costly gamble—remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Cowboys are all in for 2025.