The New Orleans Saints may regret waiting to shake hands on Alvin Kamara’s contract extension. He’s been an even greater fit in Klint Kubiak’s offense than advertised. As NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted on Sunday morning, Kamara’s offseason push for a new deal went nowhere. He’s since tabled discussions until 2025 and focused on playing his best football.
And you can’t argue with results. Kamara goes into Week 3 leading the league in scrimmage yards (290) and touchdowns scored (5). Kubiak’s zone-heavy run scheme has opened a lot of lanes for Kamara to work with, and they’re doing a better job getting him the ball in space as a receiver.
So now Kamara is headed into the final year of his contract in 2025, accounting for a staggering $29 million against next year’s salary cap. But don’t fall for the distractions — the Saints have no intention of paying out the unguaranteed $25 million Kamara is owed next offseason, so no, he isn’t the NFL’s second-highest paid running back. They’ll have the option to cut him and save all $25 million if they choose.
But if Kamara keeps up this pace and has a career year? He just might have the Saints over a barrel. It would be really difficult for Mickey Loomis to justify cutting the fan-favorite focus of his offense (possibly coming off his first 1,000-yard season as a rusher), even if he’s 30. Loomis and Khai Harley are as creative in working around the cap as they come, but we can’t rule out the possibility they could be in a position where they have to pay Kamara top-dollar.
Hopefully both sides can reach a deal in the spring after Kamara has enjoyed a strong season, leading the Saints back to the playoffs. He’s made it known he wants to finish his career in New Orleans. Let’s hope the Saints don’t end up regretting not signing Kamara to a new deal this summer when they had the chance.
