New Orleans Saints at a Crossroads with Alvin Kamara
New Orleans, La. -- The New Orleans Saints find themselves at a critical juncture with their star running back, Alvin Kamara. Uncertainty looms over Kamara's status with the team following his decision to skip the final practice of minicamp last week. According to his agent, Brad Cicala, contractual issues were the primary reason behind Kamara's early departure.
Contract Concerns
Kamara's absence extends beyond the minicamp; he did not attend OTAs (Organized Team Activities) this offseason, a routine he has followed for several years. Yet, despite this emerging uncertainty, Kamara has expressed his desire to remain in New Orleans for the long term. "I want a lifetime contract. I want to be here forever," Kamara stated last year, showing his commitment to the team.
Alvin Kamara is expected to play a pivotal role in the Saints' 2024 offense under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Kamara has been a cornerstone in previous Saints offenses, recording at least 80 catches in each of his first four seasons and achieving double-digit touchdowns in the 2017, 2018, and 2020 seasons.
Comparison with Christian McCaffrey
Klint Kubiak, who served as the San Francisco 49ers' passing game coordinator last season, had firsthand experience watching running back Christian McCaffrey excel in his system. McCaffrey rushed for a career-high of 1,459 yards. The 28-year-old McCaffrey, a first-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2017, recently secured a two-year extension averaging $19 million and guaranteeing $24 million.
Kamara, who turns 29 on July 25, is one year older than McCaffrey. According to the Roster Management System, running backs tend to peak at age 27, with rushing attempts and average performances declining steadily after that. This data places Kamara at a critical point in his career, urging both him and the Saints to make strategic decisions.
Factors Affecting Kamara's Performance
Multiple external factors contributed to Kamara's statistical decline. He faced a suspension for the first three games of the 2023 season for violating the NFL'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 for 2024 is a staggering $18.55 million, the highest on the team, due to contract restructures in 2022 and 2023. While a restructure could temporarily create cap space by converting a portion of his base salary into a signing bonus, it would also increase his cap number for future years without providing Kamara with any new money.
Financial Implications and Future Outlook
If the Saints choose to release Kamara in 2025 without altering his current contract, they could save between $18.9 million to $25 million against the salary cap. This potential saving is influenced by Kamara's inflated base salary of $22.4 million for 2025, which would likely be renegotiated if Kamara stays with the team.
The Saints have a small window of about a month before they report back to training camp in Irvine, California. It's noteworthy that Kamara missed five practices at the end of the 2020 offseason before he was ultimately granted a new contract. He is currently signed through the 2025 season.
Quotes and Insights
Head Coach Dennis Allen addressed Kamara's recent absence from practice, saying, "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." Kamara's intentions remain a topic of interest as he remarked, "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 added, "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."
Reiterating his excitement for the new season, quarterback Derek Carr shared an anecdote: "There was a play last year where I handed him the ball, and I remember thinking, '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 confirmed ongoing 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."
The upcoming months will be crucial for Alvin Kamara and the New Orleans Saints as they navigate contract negotiations, performance metrics, and strategic planning for the future. Both parties aim for an amicable resolution that secures Kamara's long-term presence on the team while managing financial and performance expectations.