Being the NFL’s standard bearers for organizational restructure for years, the Saints have not made any changes to Alvin Kamara‘s contract this offseason. Kamara’s contract, which has been adjusted multiple times since its inception in 2020, now stands as a potential source of significant savings for the perennially cap-strapped team in 2025.
No running back has a longer deal than Kamara, who witnessed the Bengals trade Joe Mixon (extended in September 2020) to the Texans and the Packers release Aaron Jones (re-signed in March 2021). The 49ers restructured Christian McCaffrey‘s contract this offseason, moving him away from the April 2020 extension that had not been surpassed. While Kamara’s deal still ranks second among running backs in terms of average annual value (AAV), he understands the likely trajectory of this situation.
After leaving minicamp early in search of a new deal, Kamara reported to training camp on time. Elaborating on his position, the eighth-year RB stated (via ESPN.com’s Katherine Terrell) that he is not seeking “anything crazy” in terms of terms.
While he may not have much say in the matter, Kamara expressed that he will honor his current contract if the Saints do not agree to make adjustments. The former third-round pick is fully participating in New Orleans’ practice despite the contract situation.
Prior to Kamara’s fourth season, the Saints signed him to a five-year, $75MM deal with a phony final season — similar to deals signed by Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill two years later — to boost the AAV. Kamara’s contract no longer includes any guarantees, but as a vested veteran, his 2024 base salary ($10.2MM) would become guaranteed just before Week 1. In 2025, the Saints could release Kamara and save $18.9MM. With the Saints facing significant cap challenges — projected to be $88MM over the cap next year, $40MM more than any other team — Kamara’s contract is a likely target for cost savings.
Approaching his 29th birthday, Kamara has expressed willingness to restructure his contract. The Saints have restructured his deal in 2022 and 2023. However, another restructuring would increase future dead money on the team’s cap, limiting flexibility. As of now, no progress has been made in this regard, as confirmed by Kamara. If the Saints do not pay Kamara his $22.4MM base salary in 2025, a standoff will ensue.
Expressing his desire to remain with the Saints, Kamara stated (via Johnson), “I want to be a Saint; I want to retire here.” He added, “If I’ve got to play football somewhere else, I’ll probably be somewhere with my feet kicked up in Africa somewhere. I want to be a Saint.”
Being locked into a non-rookie deal for five seasons is uncommon for a modern running back, and Kamara has made significant earnings from this extension. Despite starting his career with five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, Kamara’s production has slowed. Last season, he recorded a career-low 1,160 yards from scrimmage and had the fourth-worst rushing yards over expected (-99) in the league. Kamara has missed 10 games due to injury and suspension since 2021.
Unless a significant agreement is reached for 2025, Kamara is likely heading into his final season with the Saints. Facing challenges in securing a new contract, Kamara can use this season as an opportunity for a bounce-back year before potentially securing his final notable NFL deal next year.
