The New Orleans Saints have had their share of challenges this season, and one of the most notable has been the injury to their star running back, Alvin Kamara. With Kamara sidelined, the team has turned to Kendre Miller, a 22-year-old running back, to step up in a more prominent role. After a promising yet limited first season in the NFL, Miller now has the chance to show he’s capable of handling the responsibility.
But who exactly is Kendre Miller, and what should you know as a New Orleans fan about the young RB as he takes on a larger role with the Saints?
Kendre Miller’s Early Life And College Career
Kendre Miller was born and raised in Mount Enterprise, Texas, where his football career first gained attention during his senior year of high school. In that season, he rushed for over 2,500 yards and scored 34 touchdowns, establishing himself as a standout player. This performance led him to Texas Christian University (TCU), where he played for three years and developed into one of the top running backs in college football.
Miller’s first two years at TCU saw him primarily serve as a backup, but even then, he was making a mark. In his freshman year, he rushed for 388 yards and scored two touchdowns. His sophomore year brought more production, with 623 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. However, it was in his junior season, 2022, where Miller truly became a household name.
As TCU’s starting running back, he rushed for an impressive 1,399 yards and 17 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors. His ability to break long runs, including several over 50 yards, helped elevate his stock among scouts and earned him recognition as one of the top RB prospects in the country.
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A Rising Draft Pick For The Saints
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Miller entered the 2023 NFL Draft as a highly regarded prospect. At 5’11” and 215 pounds, he was a well-built back who combined power and speed, making him an intriguing option for any team in need of a running back. While some of his running tendencies, like hesitating at the line and struggling with tight cuts, raised concerns, his raw athleticism and potential were undeniable.
The New Orleans Saints recognized this potential and selected Miller in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 71st overall pick. They were confident that with the right development, Miller could become an integral part of their offense sooner rather than later.
Miller’s Role In New Orleans
Miller started his rookie season as the third-string running back behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. Because of this, his opportunities to play were limited, and he appeared in just eight games during the 2023 season. However, in those games, Miller displayed his ability to make plays. He finished the season with 156 rushing yards on 41 carries, averaging 3.8 yards per attempt. He also scored one rushing touchdown. Though his contributions weren’t extensive, Miller showed that he had the skills to make an impact when given the chance.
A memorable moment in his rookie season came in Week 18 when Miller scored his first NFL touchdown—a three-yard rush against the Atlanta Falcons. Though his overall season was quiet, it was a glimpse of what he could bring to the table.
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Miller’s Rise In The NFL And The Challenges Ahead
The 2024 season has been a turning point for Kendre Miller. Following Kamara’s adductor injury, Miller’s role in the offense has grown significantly. He’s now the Saints’ RB2, with an opportunity to take on more responsibility in the absence of their veteran running back.
Through the first four games of the 2024 season, Miller has appeared in all but one game, rushing for 145 yards on 36 carries, averaging 4.0 yards per attempt. His numbers show that he’s been able to contribute to the offense, even as the team has struggled with consistency overall. In those four games, Miller has accumulated 130 yards and one touchdown, averaging 32.5 yards per game. While he hasn’t yet replicated the explosive big-play ability he showcased in college, his steady improvement is encouraging.
In his most recent game against the Green Bay Packers, Miller had a challenging outing, rushing for just 15 yards on eight carries, averaging 1.9 yards per carry. While this performance wasn’t ideal, it’s clear that Miller is still adjusting to the NFL’s speed and physicality. As he gets more comfortable, the hope is that he’ll continue to grow and make a greater impact on the Saints’ offense.
Miller’s Contract, Financial Situation, And What’s Next For Kendre Miller
Kendre Miller’s rookie contract with the Saints is a four-year deal worth $5,654,319, which includes a $1,112,232 signing bonus and guarantees. His average annual salary is $1,413,580, with a base salary of $1,007,015 in 2024. His contract also has a cap hit of $1,285,073 and a dead cap value of $834,174.
Moving forward, Miller has a lot to prove. While he’s demonstrated his ability to make big plays at times, he’ll need to work on becoming more consistent in his performances. His rushing average has improved in 2024 to 4.6 yards per carry, a step up from the 3.8 yards per carry he averaged in his rookie season. The Saints will be looking for him to take on a larger role, especially with Kamara still recovering from his injury. This is Miller’s chance to establish himself as a reliable back for the Saints, and with more opportunities, it will be interesting to see how he continues to improve.
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