Alvin Kamara on his Saints future: 'We're getting close'
The five-time Pro Bowler is in the second-to-last year of his contract after a March cap restructure that saved New Orleans $8.1 million.
Alvin Kamara spoke briefly with reporters after Monday's OTA session in Metairie. Asked about his contract talks with the Saints, the five-time Pro Bowl running back smiled and said, 'We're getting close.' New Orleans restructured his deal in March using a rare CBA mechanism that saved $8.1 million in cap space. A longer-term extension would be the natural follow-up.
What exactly did the March restructure do?
The Saints used the CBA's '50% rule' to convert the difference between Kamara's 2026 salary and his 2027 salary into an optional signing bonus. Total spread: $10.55 million prorated over the remaining contract years. The move saved $8.1 million in 2026 cap space without adding new guaranteed money beyond the $3 million Kamara was already set to receive.
Why does that matter for his future?
It doesn't lock him into New Orleans. The restructure was structured to give the Saints cap flexibility while preserving the option to part ways after 2026 without taking on heavy dead money. Kamara turns 31 in July and is approaching the late stage of his career. His comments Monday suggest the two sides are now in discussions about something more permanent.
What would a new deal look like?
Speculation around the building has centered on a two-year extension that takes Kamara through 2028 with a modest cap-friendly base and incentives keyed to scrimmage yards and games active. The all-in value would land in the $18 to $22 million range over two years. Kamara has 12,000-plus career scrimmage yards and remains one of the better pass-catching backs in football.
What is the 2026 outlook?
Kamara is the unquestioned lead back. Travis Etienne Jr., acquired in the November 2025 trade from Jacksonville, plays the change-of-pace role. New Orleans is rebuilding with Spencer Rattler at QB after a 5-12 finish. The offense's identity will run through Kamara's 230 to 260 touch volume. Sportsbooks have him at +1500 to lead the NFC in scrimmage yards.
How will we know it's done?
Mandatory minicamp in mid-June is the next deadline that matters. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis tends to close veteran deals around minicamp specifically to avoid distraction in training camp. If Kamara shows up to the team facility on June 11 without an extension, the talks may be further out than 'close' suggests. If a new deal is announced before then, the talks have indeed been close.
Players in this story
Sources
- NBC Sports: Saints restructure Alvin Kamara's 2026 contract
- ESPN: How Saints utilized rare clause to get under 2026 salary cap
- Louisiana Sports: Saints use rare CBA rule to save $8.1M on Kamara
- Heavy: Saints make $8M Alvin Kamara move ahead of free agency
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