New Orleans Saints at a Crossroads with Alvin Kamara
New Orleans, La. -- The New Orleans Saints find themselves at a pivotal juncture with their star running back, Alvin Kamara, whose status moving forward remains uncertain after skipping the final practice of minicamp last week. According to his agent, Brad Cicala, Kamara's early departure was due to contract-related issues, which have now thrust the team's plans into a state of flux.
Kamara, a key player for the Saints, did not attend the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this offseason but returned for mandatory minicamp, a routine he has followed for several years. Despite the current uncertainty, Kamara expressed last year that he desires to remain in New Orleans for the long term. Given his significant role in the team, his absence has become a matter of concern.
Kamara's Impact on the Saints' Offense
Kamara is expected to be a focal point of the Saints' 2024 offense under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Over the years, Kamara has thrived in various offensive setups, catching at least 80 passes in each of his first four seasons and scoring double-digit touchdowns in 2017, 2018, and 2020. His versatility and playmaking ability make him an invaluable asset for the team.
Kubiak, who served as the San Francisco 49ers' passing game coordinator last season, brings significant experience with him. Under his system, running back Christian McCaffrey rushed for a career-high 1,459 yards. The comparison between Kamara and McCaffrey has become a talking point, with fans and analysts wondering if Kubiak can unlock similar success for Kamara.
Age and Performance
Kamara, who turns 29 on July 25, is one year older than McCaffrey. According to data from the Roster Management System, running backs with at least four seasons of 100 rushing attempts peak at age 27 and steadily decline in yards after that age. Rushing attempts also peak at age 27, while rushing average peaks between ages 24-26. These statistics indicate that Kamara might be approaching the twilight of his peak athletic performance, which raises questions about his future contributions.
Several external factors impacted 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, further affecting Kamara's output.
Financial Implications and Contract Restructure
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 potential 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, a tactic that the Saints have used in the past to manage their salary cap effectively.
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 the team would likely address if Kamara remains with the Saints.
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, indicating a pattern of negotiation tactics that might be at play once again.
Quotes
Head coach Dennis Allen commented on Kamara's recent absence, 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 himself remains optimistic about his future with the team, stating, "I want a lifetime contract. I want to be here forever." He also expressed enthusiasm about the new offensive system, saying, "You look at the history of this offense, I'll just say it's good for the running back. 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."
Quarterback Derek Carr also had high praise for Kamara, recalling a moment from last year, "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, the new offensive coordinator, reassured fans of his ongoing communication with Kamara, saying, "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, the resolution of Kamara's contract situation will be a critical factor in their offensive strategy and overall success. Only time will tell how this saga unfolds and what the future holds for Alvin Kamara and the New Orleans Saints.