Contract shifts suggest Alvin Kamara's Saints tenure continues, a win for New Orleans preserving veteran talent and flexibility.
The New Orleans Saints and star running back Alvin Kamara have been synonymous with each other for essentially all of Kamara's professional career. Over that time, New Orleans has seen the running back set franchise records and move up the charts on a handful of the NFL's all-time records.
For much of the last few months, Saints fans have been anticipating that they may have to get used to life without Kamara as the team's lead ball carrier. While still an effective player, salary cap issues and team building considerations made some brace for a Kamara departure. That is, until now.
It appears that Kamara and the Saints are working out a way for the elite running back to return for another season. Mike Chiari of Bleacher Report discussed the latest with the running back and its restructuring contract progress with Kamara.
"The New Orleans Saints reportedly restructured the contracts of several players Thursday and Friday in order to get under the salary cap, and running back Alvin Kamara was among them.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Saints converted $10.155 million of Kamara's salary into a signing bonus, saving $8.124 million against the cap in 2026. Pelissero added that the Saints are "keeping their options open" when it comes to Kamara and his future with the team.
Per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, the Saints also did standard restructures with tight end Juwan Johnson, pass-rusher Chase Young and safety Justin Reid.
OverTheCap.com now lists the Saints as being $20 million under the salary cap."
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesSo, what would a Kamara return mean for the Saints in 2026?
It would mean the team returns another veteran who can still play at a high level. Kamara's value is more than as a good locker room influence, but he brings that as well. Essentially, it allows the team to bring back a very good football player at a price that won't hurt its ability to build a team around him.
It's important to note that the restructure will not preclude the team from drafting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love if it deems Love to be the best player available with the No. 8 pick. New Orleans can still address wide receiver with a quality player in the second round, as the position is deep in the upcoming draft depending on who you ask.
Additionally, the Saints are not necessarily required to add a receiver as good as Olave or in the same talent bracket. New Orleans simply needs a quality No. 2 receiver. They can still draft Love and meet most if not all of their roster needs.
All in all, adding Kamara for another season is a great move. The Saints will look to put together an NFC South contender over the next couple of months.