“Alvin Kamara is Still There”: Shannon Sharpe explains why Shedeur Sanders might join the Saints as the No. 9 pick

Alvin Kamara is Still There”: Why Shedeur Sanders Might Land in New Orleans

As the 2025 NFL Draft unfolds, veteran analyst Shannon Sharpe has ignited conversation across football circles by asserting, “Alvin Kamara is still there,” in support of a scenario that sees the New Orleans Saints selecting quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders with the No. 9 pick. At first glance, the statement might appear simple, but it encapsulates a broader philosophy regarding roster stability, the importance of veteran presence, and the strategic blueprint needed by a franchise seeking both immediate competitiveness and long-term growth.

In this article, we examine the multi-layered factors that could see Shedeur Sanders joining the Saints, explore Alvin Kamara’s continued significance on the field, and shed light on the broader draft narrative that continues to shape the NFL landscape.

The Draft Landscape and the Saints’ Situation

The NFL Draft remains one of the league’s most pivotal events, and every franchise’s strategy is scrutinized for its immediate and future impact. The Saints, already known for their dynamic offense and consistent playoff appearances over the past decade, face a unique challenge this year. With questions swirling around quarterback stability—compounded recently by concerns over Derek Carr’s potential shoulder injury—the team must weigh immediate needs against the long-term benefits of injecting youthful talent into their system.

Amid rumors and heated discussions, analyst Shannon Sharpe put forward a compelling case during his latest appearance on “The Nightcap.” By stating that “Alvin Kamara is still there,” Sharpe underscored an important point: despite any changes in the quarterback carousel, the presence of a versatile, game-changing running back like Kamara remains a cornerstone of the Saints’ identity. His comment implies that the Saints have built a culture around stability and proven playmakers, which might encourage them to take a calculated risk on a young quarterback like Sanders.

This perspective is particularly noteworthy when considering the draft’s fluid dynamics. As detailed in recent draft chatter, teams that hold top picks are weighing both immediate needs and future potential, making the case for New Orleans even more interesting if Sanders becomes available at No. 9 ([]).

Alvin Kamara: The Veteran’s Enduring Value

Alvin Kamara’s name has become synonymous with explosive play and unmatched versatility in the NFL. Over the years, Kamara has not only been a reliable back but also a symbolic presence in the Saints’ locker room. Despite any shifts in personnel around the quarterback position, Kamara’s consistent performance provides a stabilizing force.

Veterans like Kamara serve several key functions:

• Leadership and Experience: Kamara’s deep understanding of the game and experience in high-pressure situations translate into on-field leadership that can guide both veteran players and emerging talents.
• Complementary Skill Set: His ability to break defensive schemes with both speed and agility means that even if the quarterback situation evolves, the offensive system remains potent.
• Roster Continuity: By maintaining a foundational presence, Kamara allows the coaching staff to experiment at other positions, particularly the quarterback spot, without sacrificing overall team performance.

Sharpe’s assertion that “Alvin Kamara is still there” is a reminder that the Saints’ offensive identity is not solely reliant on finding a savior at quarterback—it is built on a multi-faceted approach where veteran excellence and emerging talent work in tandem.

Shedeur Sanders: A Rising Star at the Crossroads

At only 23 years old, Shedeur Sanders has already garnered significant attention. His blend of leadership qualities and raw talent has made him a standout prospect in an already deep quarterback class. Sanders’ journey thus far has been characterized by his willingness to be candid during team visits—a trait that sets him apart in a league where locker room chemistry and mental fortitude are as vital as technical skill.

Strengths and Areas for Growth

• On-Field Intelligence: Sanders has been praised for his decision-making abilities. His vision on the field allows him to spot openings and create plays even when the initial design breaks down.
• Work Ethic and Character: Observers note that Sanders is unafraid to voice his opinions, a trait that, although divisive among some NFL executives, signals an authenticity rarely seen at his level. This realness has earned him both ardent admirers and skeptical detractors.
• Draft Position and Potential: According to insiders and draft analysts, Sanders is expected to be targeted after Miami’s quarterback Cam Ward—a team that appears to be the consensus No. 1 pick. For the Saints, the prospect of acquiring Sanders at the 9th overall position becomes even more attractive in a scenario where the early teams prioritize their own pressing quarterback needs.

While some executive voices have labeled him a “fringe starter,” Sanders’ performances at the collegiate level—as well as his interactions during franchise visits—indicate that he has the resilience and potential to evolve into a full-fledged starter when given the opportunity ([]).

Why the Saints Could Be the Ideal Landing Spot

New Orleans has long been a city that embraces both legacy and innovation. Under the framework of their offensive schemes, the Saints have been able to integrate dynamic plays with disciplined execution—a balance that is crucial when introducing a young quarterback.

Complementing a Dynamic Offensive Core

The Saints have built an offensive unit that features an array of weapons:

• Explosive Receivers: With targets such as Chris Olave, Rasheed Shakir, and Juwaan Johnson, Sanders would have access to an elite group capable of stretching defenses.
• Balanced Attack: Even with the quarterback position undergoing potential change, the presence of players like Kamara ensures that the rushing attack remains formidable.
• Supportive Coaching: The coaching staff in New Orleans is adept at fostering talent. Sharpe’s comments have emphasized that Sanders would thrive in an environment where a strong receiving core and veteran leadership can complement his developmental needs.

Addressing the Quarterback Conundrum

The Saints’ current quarterback situation remains ambiguous. The lingering injury concerns surrounding Derek Carr, coupled with the potential of groomed talent like Spencer Rattler, put the team at a crossroads. Drafting Sanders with the ninth pick would offer the Saints an opportunity to not only secure a potential long-term solution at quarterback but also afford him the luxury of learning behind a veteran presence like Kamara.

Sharpe’s observation—that “Alvin Kamara is still there”—suggests that the Saints can lean on their proven assets even as they experiment with the quarterback position. This balance is pivotal in a league where the transition from college prospect to NFL starter is never guaranteed. A well-structured offensive system, anchored by players of Kamara’s caliber, could help mitigate the typical growing pains associated with a rookie quarterback’s transition ([]).

The Broader Draft Implications

While New Orleans might seem like the ideal destination for Sanders, the reality of the NFL Draft is a complex chess match involving multiple franchises. Several teams, such as Tennessee and the Giants, are in dire need of quarterback reinforcements. However, the uniqueness of the Saints’ offensive identity positions them as a dark-horse candidate if Sanders falls to the later end of the first round.

Competing Quarterback Needs

• Tennessee and New York: Both franchises have been vocal about their quarterback deficiencies. Yet, their urgency might push them to take a more established or ‘safer’ choice early in the draft. The Saints, in contrast, have room to gamble on a prospect with high upside.
• Draft Day Dynamics: With teams like the Titans shifting focus and the Browns navigating quarterback uncertainties (notably in their discussions around Deshaun Watson), the market for top quarterback prospects is unpredictable. Should the early teams address other needs, the likelihood of Sanders slipping to the Saints increases significantly.
• Market Value and Trade Scenarios: In today’s multifaceted draft environment, trade discussions and shifting positional values play a huge role. While some projections favor Sanders as a top-three talent, the evolving landscape could allow him to be available at No. 9—particularly if teams with acute quarterback needs drive up prices for established players while betting on more future-oriented prospects.

Strategic Rationale for the Saints

Shannon Sharpe’s analysis, which champions the Saints as a natural fit for Sanders, rests on several observations:

• System Fit: The balance of veteran leadership from Kamara and a burgeoning receiving unit provides a conducive development environment for a young quarterback.
• Culture of Resilience: New Orleans has a longstanding identity of making bold moves while nurturing talent. This culture is precisely what a daring prospect like Sanders requires to flourish.
• Transitional Window: With Derek Carr’s future uncertain due to injury concerns and the fact that teams like the Raiders and Jets have filled their short-term quarterback needs with savvy signings, there is an open window for franchises like the Saints to be forward-thinking. The possibility that the top three prospects may be claimed elsewhere further clears the slate for the Saints to take a calculated risk on Sanders ([]).

Reactions and Analyst Perspectives

The announcement and ensuing buzz have not gone unnoticed among NFL pundits and fans alike. While some critics remain wary about Sanders’ long-term viability, others hail his raw talent and the openness he has exhibited during pre-draft engagements.

Supporters of the Move

• Shannon Sharpe’s Advocacy: Sharpe has repeatedly underscored that Sanders’ grit, authentic communication style, and bright on-field potential make him not just a draft pick, but a franchise cornerstone in the making. His call for the Saints to consider Sanders is anchored in the belief that the mix of seasoned players like Kamara and emerging talent can lead to a balanced, potent offense.
• Potential for Growth: Sanders’ willingness to speak candidly during visits resonates with many who see this trait as an asset in an era where NFL locker rooms demand transparency and leadership from young stars.
• A Strategic Gamble with High Upside: The Saints’ strategic framework of maintaining a strong foundation with Kamara while injecting youthful energy through Sanders is seen as a blueprint that could yield sustained success over several seasons.

Dissenting Voices

• Immediate Concerns: Critics point out that in a climate where every pick is scrutinized for immediate impact, selecting a quarterback with a controversial profile could backfire if the project takes longer to mature.
• Comparative Talent Pool: Teams such as Tennessee and the Giants—already vocal about needing proven quarterbacks—could, in theory, be more willing to make a blockbuster move. These teams remain skeptical about Sanders being available at No. 9, given his talent level and the current buzz ([]).

Despite the differences in opinion, the discussion itself reflects the inherent complexities of draft-day decision-making. The Saints’ potential move represents a mid- to long-term vision that hinges on balancing risk with reward—a philosophy that, if executed well, could redefine their future trajectory.

The Future of the Saints’ Quarterback Situation

Looking ahead, the stakes are high for the New Orleans Saints. With quarterback uncertainty looming, the potential integration of Shedeur Sanders into the offense carries long-term implications:

• Mentorship Under Veterans: Should Sanders join the Saints, he would not be thrust into the deep end without support. The presence of experienced players like Kamara could provide mentorship, offering guidance on the nuances of NFL play that extend beyond physical talent.
• Evolution of Offensive Schemes: The Saints’ coaching staff is renowned for adapting their play-calling to maximize the strengths of their roster. Integrating a young, dynamic quarterback into an already potent offensive system could lead to innovative schemes that catch opponents off guard.
• Building a Legacy: The NFL values not only current performance but also the prospect of sustained excellence over multiple seasons. The potential pairing of a veteran stalwart like Kamara with an up-and-coming talent like Sanders might well become a defining chapter in the franchise’s history.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving narrative of the 2025 NFL Draft, Shannon Sharpe’s resounding declaration—“Alvin Kamara is still there”—serves as both reassurance and a strategic hint. It reminds fans and insiders alike that, even amidst the uncertainties of a transitional quarterback landscape, the New Orleans Saints are built on strong, proven foundations. This veteran presence, combined with the tantalizing prospect of Shedeur Sanders’ potential, weaves a narrative that is as hopeful as it is bold.

For the Saints, a team defined by its capacity to blend established prowess with daring innovation, drafting Sanders could represent the perfect storm. It is a calculated risk that balances immediate developmental challenges with the promise of future greatness. As draft day approaches, all eyes will be on New Orleans—and on whether the team can pull off a move that embodies the forward-thinking spirit of a franchise determined to remain at the top of its game.

In many ways, the debate over Sanders’ landing spot encapsulates a larger truth about the NFL: progress requires faith in the future, and sometimes, preserving what works means daring to try something new. The coming weeks will tell whether the Saints can successfully merge veteran solidity with the kinetic potential of youth, creating an offensive juggernaut ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

By embracing both continuity and renewal, New Orleans might very well set a precedent for how teams navigate the fine line between familiarity and innovation—a legacy carried forward by stars like Kamara and the promising rise of talents like Shedeur Sanders.