New Orleans Saints at a Crossroads with Alvin Kamara
New Orleans, La. – The New Orleans Saints find themselves at a critical juncture with their star running back, Alvin Kamara. Kamara's future with the team remains uncertain after he skipped the final practice of minicamp last week due to contract-related issues, according to his agent, Brad Cicala.
While Kamara did not attend OTAs this offseason, he made an appearance for the mandatory minicamp, a routine he has followed for several years. Despite the present uncertainty, Kamara expressed last year that he desires to remain in New Orleans for the long haul. Under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Kamara is expected to be a focal point of the Saints' 2024 offense.
Kamara has consistently excelled 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. However, financial considerations and the general wear and tear that affect running backs as they age have become influential factors in the Saints' decision-making process.
Comparison with Christian McCaffrey
Klint Kubiak, who served as the San Francisco 49ers' passing game coordinator last season, witnessed significant success with running back Christian McCaffrey, who rushed for a career-high 1,459 yards. Earlier this offseason, the 28-year-old McCaffrey secured a two-year extension that will pay him an average of $19 million and guarantee him $24 million.
Kamara, who turns 29 on July 25, is one year older than McCaffrey. According to the Roster Management System, running backs with at least four seasons of 100 rushing attempts generally peak at age 27 and experience a steady decline in yards after that age. Rushing attempts also peak at age 27, while rushing averages reach their pinnacle between ages 24-26.
Factors Affecting Kamara's Performance
Kamara's statistical decline in recent seasons can be attributed to several external factors. He was suspended for the first three games of the 2023 season for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Additionally, the Saints faced offensive line issues and encountered trouble scoring in the red zone during the first half of the season.
Financial considerations also play a significant role in Kamara's current situation. His cap number of $18.55 million in 2024 is the highest on the team due to contract restructures in 2022 and 2023. A potential restructuring of his contract could create temporary cap space by converting a portion of his base salary into a signing bonus, thereby lowering his cap number for the current year while pushing those financial commitments into future years.
If the Saints ultimately decide 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 savings is influenced by Kamara's inflated $22.4 million base salary for 2025, which would likely be addressed if he remains with the team.
Financial Implications and Future Outlook
The Saints have about a month before they report to training camp in Irvine, California. Notably, Kamara missed five practices at the end of the 2020 offseason before receiving a new contract. He is currently signed through the 2025 season.
Head coach Dennis Allen has admitted to not speaking with Kamara about his absence, stating: "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." However, Kamara remains hopeful about his future with the Saints. "I want a lifetime contract. I want to be here forever," Kamara shared.
Kubiak has maintained steady communication with Kamara, saying, "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."
Quarterback Derek Carr also praised Kamara's unique abilities, recalling a memorable play: "There was a play last year where I handed him the ball, and I remember thinking, 'Well, that's not open.' But then 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."
As the Saints move forward, Kamara's future remains one of the key talking points for the team and its fans. Whether through restructured contracts or strategic plays on the field, all eyes will be on how Kamara and the Saints navigate this critical crossroads.