Alvin Kamara has one advantage working in his favor: the New Orleans Saints have a history of struggling with managing their finances.

General manager Mickey Loomis has structured the team with large contracts and deferred payments, using tactics like voidable years and restructurings to delay salary cap hits for future seasons. This has resulted in the Saints facing significant cap challenges in the coming years, with projections showing them to be over $88 million above the spending limit for 2023.

Despite their financial troubles, Kamara is seeking an extension as he enters the final years of his current contract. He recently skipped a mandatory minicamp practice to urge the team to negotiate a new deal, but talks have yet to be productive.

There is a potential solution that could benefit both Kamara and the Saints. With Kamara set to have a substantial cap hit in 2024 and an even higher one in 2025, an extension could offer him more guaranteed money over the next few years while providing the team with financial relief.

However, there are concerns about Kamara’s performance declining as he approaches his 29th birthday. His stats have shown signs of regression, with his rushing and receiving efficiency both declining in recent seasons.

As Kamara navigates the running back market, which tends to undervalue players due to an abundance of talent, the Saints must weigh his value against potential free agent options in 2024. A reasonable extension may be warranted, but with the unpredictable nature of the Saints’ financial maneuvers, the outcome remains uncertain.