By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS – It was a move that needed to be done eventually, and the New Orleans Saints finally get it right. Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Saints and running back Alvin Kamara have reached a deal on an extension that will keep him under contract through 2026.
The extension is a two-year deal worth $24.5 million. The exact structure of the deal is not yet announced, but will be important. Per Garafolo, the deal includes $22 million “effectively fully guaranteed.” A big commitment from the Saints to their star running back.
There were unfounded trade request rumors floating about last week regarding Kamara, but as he has stated several times, he wants to finish his career in New Orleans. This two-year extension opens the door for him to do exactly that.
Kamara and the Saints have been discussing this possibility for a while, eventually leading to him leaving mandatory minicamps early the final day. Despite that early departure, the running back has participated all through training camp and has taken quite a beating leading the Saints’ running game through seven games.
He never quit on the Saints, and the Saints have not confirmed they will not quit on him.
Now that this move is done, it effectively locks in that the Saints have no intention of being sellers despite their five-game losing streak as well. Kamara and cornerback Marshon Lattimore were the two most valuable trade assets the team had, but it looks like they will maintain their trajectory as a franchise looking to compete rather than undergo a fire sale anytime soon.
This is a great organizational move and a great move for Kamara as well. In offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s offensive scheme, the 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year has looked like his old self when the protection is there. As the Saints’ offensive line looks to get healthier this week, locking down Kamara only makes sense.
The extension also clears up about $18 million in the team’s 2025 salary cap.
