New Orleans Saints at a Crossroads with Alvin Kamara
The New Orleans Saints are currently at a critical juncture with their star running back, Alvin Kamara, as questions regarding his future with the team loom large. Kamara's status remains uncertain after he skipped the final practice of minicamp last week, with his agent, Brad Cicala, citing contract-related issues for the early departure.
Kamara, who did not attend OTAs this offseason but returned for mandatory minicamp, has followed this routine for several years. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract, Kamara has expressed a desire to remain in New Orleans for the long term. He is expected to be a focal point of the Saints' 2024 offense under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Thriving in the Past
Kamara has thrived in previous Saints offenses, catching at least 80 passes in each of his first four seasons and scoring double-digit touchdowns in 2017, 2018, and 2020. His ability to both run and catch the ball out of the backfield has made him one of the most versatile running backs in the NFL.
Comparison with Christian McCaffrey
Kubiak, who served as the San Francisco 49ers' passing game coordinator last season, witnessed similar success with running back Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey rushed for a career-high 1,459 yards and received a two-year extension that pays him an average of $19 million and guarantees him $24 million.
Given that Kamara, who turns 29 on July 25, is one year older than McCaffrey, the comparison is notable. According to the Roster Management System, running backs with at least four seasons of 100 rushing attempts peak at age 27 and steadily decline in yardage after that age. Rushing attempts also peak at age 27, while rushing average peaks between ages 24-26.
Factors Affecting Kamara's Performance
Several external factors have contributed to Kamara's statistical decline. 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 trouble scoring in the red zone during the first half of the season.
Kamara's cap number of $18.55 million in 2024 is the highest on the team due to previous contract restructures in 2022 and 2023. A restructure would not provide Kamara with any new money but would temporarily create cap space by converting a portion of his base salary into a signing bonus. This move would lower his cap number for the current year while increasing it in future years.
Financial Implications and Future Outlook
If the Saints chose 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 number is influenced by Kamara's inflated $22.4 million base salary for 2025, which would likely 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 from Key Figures
Head coach Dennis Allen admitted he was not sure why Kamara missed the final practice. "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," Allen said.
Kamara has consistently voiced his desire to stay in New Orleans, saying, "I want a lifetime contract. I want to be here forever." He added, "You look at the history of this offense, I'll just say it's good for the running back."
Kubiak is optimistic about Kamara's fit in the new offensive scheme. "You watch some of the past offenses that Klint has been able to operate and most recent, you look at Christian [McCaffrey] and what he was able to do. I'm excited for that," Kamara stated.
The star running back also commented on his relationship with fellow running back Christian McCaffrey. "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."
Saints' quarterback Derek Carr shared his thoughts on Kamara's on-field presence, saying, "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."
Kubiak also mentioned his 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."
As the Saints prepare for the upcoming season, resolving Kamara's contract situation will be crucial for the team's offensive strategy and overall success.