New Orleans Saints at a Crossroads with Alvin Kamara
New Orleans, La. -- The New Orleans Saints are at a critical juncture 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 due to contract-related issues, according to his agent, Brad Cicala. This absence has led to widespread speculation about Kamara's commitment to the team moving forward, despite his expressed desire to remain in New Orleans for the long term.
Kamara's offseason routine has been consistent; he did not attend OTAs but returned for mandatory minicamp, a practice he has adhered to for several years. With a new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, at the helm, Kamara is expected to be a centerpiece of the Saints' 2024 offense. Known for his dual-threat capabilities, Kamara has excelled 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.
Comparison with Christian McCaffrey
Kubiak brings with him a successful track record from the San Francisco 49ers, where he served as the passing game coordinator last season. Under his guidance, running back Christian McCaffrey achieved career-high rushing yards of 1,459. The 28-year-old McCaffrey, despite being a year younger than Kamara, secured a lucrative two-year extension worth an average of $19 million per year, with $24 million guaranteed.
Kamara, who turns 29 on July 25, faces a different scenario. According to the Roster Management System, running backs with at least four seasons of 100 rushing attempts tend to peak at age 27, after which their performance, measured in yards and rushing attempts, typically declines. This statistical trend underscores the urgency for the Saints to decide on Kamara's role and future with the team.
Factors Affecting Kamara's Performance
Several external factors contributed to Kamara's statistical decline last season. 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. Despite these obstacles, Kamara's capability remains undeniable.
Financially, Kamara's situation is complex. His cap number of $18.55 million in 2024 is the highest on the team, a result of contract restructures in 2022 and 2023. A potential restructure in 2024 would not provide Kamara with additional money but would create temporary 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, complicating the financial landscape for the Saints.
Financial Implications and Future Outlook
The Saints have about a month before they report to training camp in Irvine, California. Decisions made in this period could be pivotal for the team's finances and Kamara's career. 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 need to be addressed if Kamara remains with the team.
Notably, Kamara missed five practices at the end of the 2020 offseason before receiving a new contract, showing a precedent for his approach to contract negotiations. He is currently signed through the 2025 season, leaving the Saints with the difficult task of balancing immediate performance needs with long-term financial strategy.
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 recent, 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