This past offseason was a frustrating one for Alvin Kamara and the Saints, filled with contract squabbles and an early exit from mandatory minicamp. The past events have not been forgotten, but any contract talks have now been tabled with the regular season underway.
Kamara has taken all the intrigue and angst from the last few months and put it to the side, shifting the focus to his stellar start to the 2024 season. Once again, at age 29, Kamara has emerged as one of the NFL's most potent weapons -- setting himself up for another big-time payday in 2025.
In this suddenly electric Saints offense coordinated by Klint Kubiak, Kamara is one of its brightest stars. Through two games, he leads the NFL with five touchdowns and is averaging 5.7 yards per carry with 290 yards from scrimmage.
Kamara is set to make $11.8 million this season, and though he's on the books for $22.4 million for 2025 that's not considered to be a real number (one neither Kamara, nor the Saints, expect him to play under).
There is a $2 million roster bonus on the fifth day of the league year, setting a decision date for how to proceed.
Kamara set the tone for how he would handle his contract in training camp by telling reporters, “I want to be a Saint. I want to retire here.” He also added that "I'm playing" if a new deal wasn't reached by the time the 2024 season starts.
And he has, as well or better than he's played in years.
The Saints and Kamara's agent Brad Cicala of QC Sports were in contact all offseason about a new deal, with New Orleans attempting to be proactive to handle a tough situation. At times, it appeared they were close.
The area in focus was next year's contract, with Kamara desiring a market rate deal with guarantees. Had it gotten done in February, it may have been easier. But then Saquon Barkley's deal with the Eagles averaged $12.583 million and the price went up.
The two sides reengaged later in the spring, but never quite reached the number for 2025 in a deal that also would've included years on the back end. And when Christian McCaffrey got another extension, it altered the market and made it even more of a challenge.
When it turned public, the situation soured. Kamara staged an exit out of mandatory minicamp, a statement of his displeasure. But while talks kickstarted again around training camp, they never found common ground.
Kamara arrived at camp on time, kept a low-profile and worked. With what he's done so far, he's setting himself up to allow the contract to take care of itself next offseason.
