The 31-year-old running back may don a new uniform in 2026
When the New Orleans Saints signed Travis Etienne from the Jacksonville Jaguars, speculation grew about the future of Alvin Kamara. Kamara has been one of the better running backs in the NFL during his time in the league, but he is at that scary age for a running back. Being over 30 in real life means you're in your prime. Being 30 as a running back in the NFL is the equivalent of being 80 to some.
Saints GM was asked by Adam Schein whether Kamara will be a Saint in 2026, and his response is very interesting.
"Yeah, I think we're still trying to work through that to see where we're at roster-wise, and look, there's a couple areas there that we've gotta work through.
So I'd rather not comment on it right now, but it's certainly an exciting possibility."
A very non-commital answer from Mickey Loomis, but a real answer.
It was speculated that Kamara would be moved by the trade deadline last season, but Kamara was very clear that if he was traded, he would simply retire. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo doesn't believe that is his mindset right now.
"I truly, honestly believe that I know Kamara said last year, the trade deadline, if you trade me. I'm going to a beach. I'm playing for the Saints or only the Saints. I don't necessarily believe that that's the case. I believe if he winds up not being a Saint this season, that he would be interested in potentially playing elsewhere if the situation's right, if the money's right, if everything's right."
Garofolo continued about Kamara's contract and a timeline for a decision.
"Now, previously, Alvin Kamara had not been there for the spring, so this is something that could play out as we get through this current spring. The expectation is that something will happen post June 1st. When it comes to Alvin Kamara, that's the date that we've talked about for AJ Brown; that's for salary cap purposes.
Because at that point, you could potentially push some salary cap implications into the future. So, when he says they're still trying to work through that, and given the fact that they signed Travis Etienne in free agency. A lot of people think, well, Kamara's gonna move on. Now, the other part of this is that he's got guaranteed money, so the next team, if there's a next team, is gonna have to pay above that and make it worth Alvin Kamara's while."
The plot thickens.