Futures of Saints stars uncertain through first wave of free agency

By Ross Jackson

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore visited with local media on Thursday as new free agent acquisitions were being introduced. 

Along with highlighting the standout notes about each of the Saints’ free agency signings, Moore also took questions about the future outgoing free agents defensive end Cameron Jordan and quarterback Taysom Hill, as well as the lingering uncertainty around the future of running back Alvin Kamara. 

On Kamara’s Future

Many questions around the running back’s playing days or location have been amplified after the Saints converted a large portion of his base salary to a non-guaranteed bonus and then, days later, signed running back Travis Etienne. 

Moore was asked about Kamara’s future and didn’t go into much detail about the team’s conversations with him, but acknowledged that there is a process still ahead.

“We’d like to go through that process,” he said. “Obviously, Alvin means a lot to us. We’re three days into (free agency), signed Travis and we’ll go through that process.”

When asked if Kamara was considering retirement, Moore indicated that he’s not been a part of any such conversations., “I’m not going to get into all that stuff,” he said. “I haven’t had those conversations in any way.”

It is important to remember that Kamara is indeed under contract for the 2026 season. The “off-ramps” that exist now have existed all offseason. From the very beginning, Kamara had just $3 million of guaranteed money on his deal going into the year. 

The rework of his contract has a greater impact on his future post 2026, having not added guaranteed money to the future years of his deal, than it has an immediate impact on this year’s situation. 

However, the NFL is a never say never league. Nothing is for certain, but uncertainty was not tempered on Thursday.

On Jordan and Hill

When Moore was asked for updates on Jordan and Hill, whose contracts voided entering the new league year, the head coach spoke positively about both but offered little detail.

“We love those guys,” he said. “That’s part of what this process is. You’ve just got to go through a process with everyone and we obviously love those guys.”

Moore furthered the point when asked specifically whether or not Hill has indicated an intent to play again in 2026, whether with the Saints or otherwise.

“I think we’ve had some conversations,” said Moore. “I think we’ll let players go through their process and not be the spokes people for them, but we love all those guys and so we’ll just let this thing take its course.”

Things remain unclear for the trio of players, Jordan and Hill more so. But Moore is right. This is a big part of what this time of the year is all about. All things are uncertain until they’re solidified. These developments will continue to be a storyline to track as the offseason rolls along.