Alvin Kamara’s Contract Conundrum: What’s Next for the Saints’ Star RB?

As the NFL offseason continues to heat up, one of the most intriguing storylines revolves around New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara and his ongoing contract negotiations. According to reports, Kamara is seeking a reworked contract before the start of the 2024 season, with the Saints seemingly unwilling to pay his $25 million non-guaranteed salary in 2025.

“I can confirm he missed the final day of minicamp and that was contract-related,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday on SportsCenter.

Kamara, who turns 29 in July, signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the Saints in 2020. The deal included a $22.4 million base salary for the 2025 season that was always intended to be reduced or renegotiated. However, Kamara’s subtle decline as an all-purpose playmaker has led to concerns about his value to the team.

Alvin Kamara’s contract situation has sparked debate among Saints fans.

Despite rushing for a career-low 694 yards and five touchdowns last season, Kamara remains one of the NFL’s most versatile backs. He’s seemingly not seeking an extension but rather a reworked contract that offers him financial comfort either this or next season.

“I understand what, kind of, the word has been, doing something different and everybody being here,” Kamara told reporters after skipping the last day of mandatory minicamp. “For me, it was just, I kind of just stuck to what I know. I don’t think any of my teammates took offense to it really.”

The Saints did not make any noteworthy changes to their running back depth chart this offseason, so Kamara is in a relative position of power. He’s clearly ahead of fellow veteran Jamaal Williams and second-year running back Kendre Miller, so the Saints could look to appease Kamara by offering him a few extra million with the knowledge this is likely his last season in New Orleans.

The Saints may need to rework Kamara’s contract to fit under the salary cap.

At the very least, the move could open up some room for a Saints franchise that has been kicking the salary cap can down the road for years. Kamara carries an $18.6 million cap number in 2024.

As the situation unfolds, one thing is certain: Alvin Kamara’s contract conundrum will be a storyline to watch in the coming weeks.