New Orleans Saints at a Crossroads with Alvin Kamara
New Orleans, La. – The New Orleans Saints are facing a critical juncture concerning their star running back, Alvin Kamara. Kamara's future with the team remains uncertain after he skipped the final practice of minicamp last week, reportedly due to contract-related issues, according to his agent, Brad Cicala.
Kamara did not attend OTAs this offseason but returned for the mandatory minicamp, a routine he has followed for several years. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract, Kamara has expressed a strong desire to remain with the Saints for the long term. He is expected to be a key focal point of the Saints' 2024 offense under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Past Performance and Expectations
Alvin Kamara has thrived in previous Saints offenses, catching at least 80 passes in each of his first four seasons and scoring double-digit touchdowns in 2017, 2018, and 2020. His dynamic ability as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield has made him one of the most versatile and important players on the Saints' roster.
Moreover, Kubiak's experience with running backs is promising. As the passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers last season, he saw running back Christian McCaffrey rush for a career-high 1,459 yards. The comparison between McCaffrey and Kamara is apt, and the Saints hope that Kubiak can similarly elevate Kamara's performance.
Age and Contract Considerations
Kamara, who will turn 29 on July 25, is one year older than McCaffrey, who recently received a two-year extension that will pay him an average of $19 million and guarantee him $24 million. According to the Roster Management System, running backs with at least four seasons of 100 rushing attempts typically peak at age 27, with performance declining steadily afterward. This statistic puts Kamara at a critical age where the Saints must weigh his past production against the typical decline seen in running backs.
Factors Affecting Kamara's Performance
Several external factors contributed to Kamara's statistical decline in recent seasons. He was suspended for the first three games of the 2023 season due to violating the league's personal conduct policy. Additionally, the Saints struggled with offensive line issues and had trouble scoring in the red zone during the first half of the season. These issues undoubtedly affected Kamara's effectiveness.
Kamara currently has the highest cap number on the team for 2024, at $18.55 million, owing to previous contract restructures in 2022 and 2023. While a contract restructure could temporarily create cap space by converting a portion of his base salary into a signing bonus, it would also increase his cap number in future years.
Financial Implications and Future Outlook
If the Saints chose to release Kamara in 2025 without altering his contract, they could save anywhere from $18.9 million to $25 million against the salary cap. This potential saving is influenced by Kamara's inflated $22.4 million base salary for 2025, which would likely be addressed if Kamara remains with the team. With training camp in Irvine, California, just a month away, the Saints must soon make important decisions regarding Kamara's future.
Notably, Kamara missed five practices at the end of the 2020 offseason before securing a new contract. He is currently signed through the 2025 season, which should provide some stability, but the financial implications remain significant.
Quotes from Key Figures
"I haven't had a chance to talk to him, so I'm not sure why he wasn't out here for the rest of practice," said Saints head coach Dennis Allen. Kamara, however, has made his feelings clear: "I want a lifetime contract. I want to be here forever," he said. "You look at the history of this offense, I'll just say it's good for the running back," Kamara added.
Kubiat also expressed excitement about working with Kamara: "You watch some of the past offenses that Klint has been able to operate and most recent, you look at Christian [McCaffrey] and what he was able to do. I'm excited for that," Kamara said. "I'm not a stat dude. I don't stack myself up against other guys. You talk about Christian and all, me and Christian talk. I enjoy watching him play. I enjoy when he's able to do the things he does. Personally, I enjoy when I'm having success. But I think my message has been the same since I've been here ... whatever's asked of me, I just do that."
Even new quarterback Derek Carr chimed in on Kamara's abilities: "There was a play last year where I handed him the ball, and I remember I was like 'Well that's not open.' ... I turned around and he hit an explosive burst that I've never seen before. And when he showed up [at minicamp], I handed him the ball, and it just feels different."
Klint Kubiak also confirmed that communication with Kamara has been positive: "I have talked to him when he was here the last couple of days. He's been great, talked to him on the phone, even when he was gone [for OTAs]. We've been in constant communication."
The New Orleans Saints and Alvin Kamara have some important decisions ahead. As training camp approaches, the future of one of the league's most versatile running backs remains a focal point for the organization and its fans.