New Orleans Saints at a Crossroads with Alvin Kamara
New Orleans, La. -- The New Orleans Saints find themselves at a critical juncture regarding their star running back, Alvin Kamara. Kamara's future with the team has been thrust into uncertainty following his absence from the final practice of minicamp last week. According to his agent, Brad Cicala, the early departure stems from contract-related issues.
Contract Complications
Kamara did not participate in OTAs this offseason, a routine he has maintained for several years. However, he returned for the mandatory minicamp, showing his commitment even amidst ongoing negotiations. Last year, Kamara expressed a desire to remain in New Orleans for the long term, a sentiment that has not changed despite the current contract impasse.
The running back’s importance to the Saints' offense can't be overstated. He is expected to be a focal point under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Kamara has been a versatile weapon in the Saints' arsenal, catching at least 80 passes in each of his first four seasons and scoring double-digit touchdowns in 2017, 2018, and 2020.
Comparison with Christian McCaffrey
Kubiak, who served as the San Francisco 49ers' passing game coordinator last season, witnessed the success of running back Christian McCaffrey under his system. McCaffrey’s performance peaked with a career-high 1,459 rushing yards. In June, the 28-year-old McCaffrey was rewarded with a two-year extension that averages $19 million annually and guarantees $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 typically peak at age 27 and experience a steady decline in yards afterward. Their rushing attempts also peak at age 27, while the rushing average peaks between ages 24-26.
Factors Affecting Kamara's Performance
Several external factors contributed to Kamara's statistical decline this past season. He was suspended for the first three games of the 2023 season for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Additionally, the Saints struggled with offensive line issues and had difficulty scoring in the red zone during the first half of the season.
Kamara's cap number of $18.55 million for 2024 is the highest on the team. This stems from previous contract restructures in 2022 and 2023. A further restructure would not provide Kamara with any new money but would create temporary cap space by converting a portion of his base salary into a signing bonus. This move would lower his current cap number while increasing it in future years.
Financial Implications and Future Outlook
If the Saints were to release Kamara in 2025 without altering his contract, they could save anywhere from $18.9 million to $25 million against the salary cap. However, this figure is influenced by Kamara’s inflated $22.4 million base salary for 2025, which would likely need to be addressed if Kamara remains with the team.
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.
Quotes
Head coach Dennis Allen expressed uncertainty regarding Kamara’s absence from the last practice, 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."
For his part, Kamara has made it clear, "I want a lifetime contract. I want to be here forever."
Reflecting on the Saints' offense, Kamara added, "You look at the history of this offense, I'll just say it's good for the running back."
He also expresses optimism about Kubiak's system, "You watch some of the past offenses that Klint has been able to operate and most recently, you look at Christian [McCaffrey] and what he was able to do. I'm excited for that."
Kamara dismissed comparisons with McCaffrey, noting, "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."
Quarterback Derek Carr shared an anecdote from last year, highlighting Kamara's unique talent: "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."
Finally, Klint Kubiak relayed his positive communication with Kamara: "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."
With training camp approaching, the Saints and Kamara are running out of time to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties. Kamara’s role in the offense is irreplaceable, and resolving these contract issues will be crucial for the team’s success in the coming season.