Kendre Miller, a New Orleans Saints running back, finds himself on the precarious roster bubble as the NFL’s final cuts approach. Miller, a former third-round pick, has struggled with injuries that have significantly derailed his pro career. After appearing in only eight games during his rookie season, Miller is now facing the possibility of being cut from the team, raising interest from other NFL teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs.
Miller’s potential has not gone unnoticed despite his injury woes. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine has highlighted him as a possible target for teams in need of running back depth, such as the Cowboys and Chiefs. Ballentine notes that while it’s difficult for the Saints to rely on a player with a history of injuries, Miller’s talent and draft pedigree make him a worthwhile risk for teams willing to take a chance. “Miller has enough potential to be worth the risk for a few teams,” Ballentine writes. “He had 273 yards on 51 total touches last season and has decent draft pedigree as a former third-round pick.”
For the Saints, the decision on whether to retain Miller comes down to the team’s willingness to be patient with a player who has shown flashes of potential but has yet to prove his durability. The Saints’ running back depth chart is led by Alvin Kamara, with Jamaal Williams also a key part of the rotation. Both Kamara and Williams are established veterans who provide a reliable one-two punch for the Saints’ offense. Beyond them, other players like Jordan Mims have shown promise and might have an advantage over Miller, particularly given their familiarity with the Saints’ system.
Saints head coach Dennis Allen recently commented on Miller’s situation, acknowledging the running back’s talent but expressing concerns about his ability to learn and adapt to the team’s system. “He’s talented. I know he’s talented,” Allen said, according to Pro Football Talk’s Charean Williams. “But I don’t know if he can learn the system. I don’t know if he can pick up the system, because I haven’t seen him out there.”
The NFL is known for its high turnover, especially at the running back position, where availability and reliability are paramount. Teams often carry a varying number of players on their depth charts, and with the final roster cuts looming, Miller’s future with the Saints is uncertain. The decision to keep or cut him will likely hinge on whether the Saints believe Miller can overcome his injury struggles and contribute consistently to the team.
If the Saints decide to part ways with Miller, it’s likely he will find a new home with a team that has the luxury of stashing him on their roster while he continues to develop and recover. The Cowboys and Chiefs, both of whom have shown interest in adding depth to their backfields, could be potential landing spots for Miller. These teams might be willing to take a chance on his potential, hoping that with time and proper care, he can fulfill the promise that made him a third-round pick.
Ultimately, Kendre Miller’s situation underscores the harsh realities of the NFL, where talent alone is not enough to secure a roster spot. Availability, adaptability, and consistent performance are crucial factors that determine a player’s fate. For Miller, the next few days will be critical as he waits to see if he can carve out a role with the Saints or if his journey will continue with a new team.
