New Orleans Saints at a Crossroads with Alvin Kamara
New Orleans, La. -- The New Orleans Saints find themselves at a pivotal moment concerning their star running back, Alvin Kamara. Kamara’s future with the team became uncertain after he skipped the final practice of minicamp last week. According to his agent, Brad Cicala, this early departure stems from contract-related issues. Kamara did not attend OTAs but returned for the mandatory minicamp, a routine he has followed for several years now.
Despite the present uncertainty, Kamara previously expressed his desire to remain in New Orleans long-term. Under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, he is expected to be a central figure in the Saints' 2024 offense. Kamara has been a critical asset for the Saints, 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
Klint Kubiak’s resume is promising, particularly his recent tenure as the San Francisco 49ers' passing game coordinator, where running back Christian McCaffrey excelled. McCaffrey rushed for a career-high 1,459 yards under Kubiak’s system. The 28-year-old McCaffrey, selected in the first round by the Carolina Panthers in 2017, received a two-year extension in June, securing an average annual salary of $19 million and guaranteeing him $24 million. Kamara, who turns 29 on July 25, is a year older than McCaffrey.
According to the Roster Management System, running backs above the age of 27 with at least four seasons of 100 rushing attempts tend to decline in performance. Yard production and rushing attempts reach their peak at age 27, with rushing average peaking between ages 24-26.
Factors Affecting Kamara’s Performance
External factors have undeniably influenced Kamara's statistical decline. He was suspended for the first three games of the 2023 season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Furthermore, the Saints faced offensive line issues and red zone scoring troubles during the season’s first half.
Kamara’s 2024 cap number stands at $18.55 million, the highest on the team due to previous contract restructures in 2022 and 2023. A restructure would not provide Kamara with additional money but temporarily create 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 chose to release Kamara in 2025 without modifying his contract, they could potentially save between $18.9 million to $25 million against the salary cap. However, this savings is influenced by Kamara’s inflated $22.4 million base salary for 2025, a figure that would likely be addressed if Kamara remains with the team. The Saints have roughly a month before they report to training camp in Irvine, California.
It is worth noting that Kamara missed five practices at the end of the 2020 offseason before securing a new contract. He is currently signed through the 2025 season. The recent comments from key figures reflect the ongoing uncertainties and optimism surrounding Kamara’s future.
Quotes
"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." - Dennis Allen
"I want a lifetime contract. I want to be here forever." - Alvin Kamara
"You look at the history of this offense, I'll just say it's good for the running back." - Alvin Kamara
"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." - Alvin Kamara
"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." - Alvin Kamara
"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." - Derek Carr
"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." - Klint Kubiak
As the summer progresses, all eyes will be on the Saints and Kamara to see how this critical juncture resolves itself. Whether through contract restructures or renewed commitments, the outcome will significantly impact the team's future and Kamara's legacy in New Orleans.