Saints commit to Alvin Kamara
Amid all the uncertainty surrounding the New Orleans Saints, and the substantial on-field adversity currently facing the team, one of their longest tenured stars is committed to staying in the Big Easy for the next couple of years. Alvin Kamara is signing a two-year, $24.5 million contract extension, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
The five-time Pro Bowl running back refuted the notion that he requested a trade earlier in the week, and this move now confirms the mutual loyalty that exists between the two parties. Fans have a myriad of questions concerning the future of the Saints, but they seemingly do not have to worry about who will occupy the No. 1 RB slot on the depth chart for the time being.
Although there are plenty of people who are just happy to know that Kamara will still be working out of the backfield for New Orleans, this contract extension has a positive effect on the team's murky salary cap situation. The Saints will save approximately $18 million on the 2025 cap, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. With the added flexibility, the front office must effectively revive this stagnating squad.
Alvin Kamara remains part of the Saints' plan
Following a 2-5 start to the 2024-25 season, there is reason to believe that New Orleans could be due for some significant roster shuffling. That is not the case at this moment, however, as longtime general manager Mickey Loomis continues to retain the team's core members. Perhaps he is more concerned about the Saints' health, which is in poor standing this year, rather than the personnel.
Kamara's days as a consistently explosive rusher appear to be well behind him, but he is still an impactful pass-catching weapon. The two-time Second-Team All-Pro selection has 539 career receptions (seventh-most in franchise history) and leads the team with 34 in 2024-25. Whether it is the injured Derek Carr or rookie Spencer Rattler who is starting at quarterback, Alvin Kamara should be trusted to help comprise a productive offensive unit.
The organization seems to believe he is up to the challenge, anyway. At 29 years of age, it is becoming increasingly more likely that No. 41 retires with the Saints.
