New Orleans Saints at a Crossroads with Alvin Kamara
Critical Juncture for the Saints
New Orleans, La. -- The New Orleans Saints find themselves at a pivotal crossroads 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, a move his agent, Brad Cicala, attributes to contract-related issues.
Kamara's absence isn't entirely unexpected; he did not attend OTAs this offseason but returned for mandatory minicamp, a routine he has followed for several years. Despite the current uncertainty, Kamara expressed last year that he wishes to remain in New Orleans for the long term. With new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak at the helm, Kamara is expected to be a focal point of the Saints' 2024 offense.
Impressive Track Record
Alvin Kamara has thrived in the Saints' offense, catching at least 80 passes in each of his first four seasons and scoring double-digit touchdowns in the 2017, 2018, and 2020 seasons. His skill set has been instrumental in the team's offensive success over the years.
Comparison with Christian McCaffrey
It's noteworthy to compare Kamara's performance with that of Christian McCaffrey, who excelled under Kubiak’s system at the San Francisco 49ers. McCaffrey rushed for a career-high 1,459 yards last season. The 28-year-old McCaffrey, drafted in the first round by the Carolina Panthers in 2017, secured a two-year extension in June, earning an average of $19 million and guaranteeing him $24 million. Kamara, who turns 29 on July 25, is only a 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 yardage thereafter. Various factors, including the suspension for the first three games of the 2023 season and offensive line struggles, contributed to Kamara’s statistical decline.
Financial Implications
Another critical factor is Kamara's financial impact on the team. His cap number of $18.55 million in 2024 is the highest on the team, largely due to contract restructures in 2022 and 2023. A potential restructure would provide temporary cap relief by converting a portion of his base salary into a signing bonus, lowering his cap number for the current year while increasing it in future years.
If the Saints opt to release Kamara in 2025 without altering his contract, the team could save anywhere from $18.9 million to $25 million against the salary cap. However, this scenario is influenced by Kamara's inflated $22.4 million base salary for 2025, which would likely need addressing if he remains with the team. The Saints have about a month before reporting to training camp in Irvine, California, providing a window for potential resolutions.
Player and Coach Perspectives
Head coach Dennis Allen admitted, "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." Meanwhile, Kamara has voiced his loyalty, stating, "I want a lifetime contract. I want to be here forever." He remains optimistic about the new offensive scheme, saying, "You look at the history of this offense, I'll just say it's good for the running back. 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's humility and team-first mentality are further highlighted by his remark, "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."
Derek Carr, the Saints' quarterback, also shared his perspective, "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."
Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak added, "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."
As the New Orleans Saints prepare for the upcoming season, the resolution of Alvin Kamara's contract situation remains a significant storyline to monitor. With the potential impact on the team's offensive strategy and financial flexibility, the decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the Saints' immediate and long-term future.