Loyalty meets liability. The Saints face a critical offseason decision with Alvin Kamara, balancing franchise icon status against future financial realities.
In the NFL, there is a fine line between loyalty and liability, and the New Orleans Saints are approaching that line at full speed with Alvin Kamara.
As we enter the 2026 offseason, the Saints find themselves in a familiar position: cap-strapped, transitioning under a young quarterback in Tyler Shough, and holding a massive $18.6 million cap hit for a 30-year-old running back coming off an injury-plagued season. The decision on what to do with #41 isn't just about football; it’s about the soul of the franchise versus the reality of its future.
Here is an analysis of the three paths the Saints can take with Alvin Kamara this offseason.
1. The "Saint for Life" Restructure
Kamara has made his intentions clear: he wants to retire in New Orleans. He has famously said that if he’s traded, he’d rather go "drink pina coladas somewhere."
The Strategy: The Saints are projected to be roughly $15–$25 million over the salary cap. A simple restructure or a modest one-year extension could lower Kamara’s $18.6 million cap hit by spreading his $11.5 million base salary into future void years.
Veteran Leadership: With Derek Carr retired and the offense leaning on Tyler Shough, Kamara’s presence in the locker room is invaluable.
The "Safety Valve": Even with declining efficiency in yards per carry for 2025, Kamara remains one of the best pass-catching backs in the league—a vital asset for a young QB.
2. The Clean Break (Post-June 1 Cut)
This is the "business over feelings" move. Kamara missed the final two months of 2025 with knee and ankle injuries. At 31 years old in 2026, history suggests running backs rarely return to elite form after such a slide.
The Strategy: Releasing Kamara before June 1st offers almost zero relief due to massive dead cap hits. However, designating him a Post-June 1 release would allow the Saints to spread that dead money over two years, potentially saving significant cash for 2026.
Drafting the Future: The Saints hold the No. 8 overall pick. Mock drafts already have them linked to Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love or even Emmettt Johnson. Although it would a tough thought for WhoDat fans, but cutting Kamara signals a total commitment to a new era.
3. The "Pina Colada" Trade
We all know Kamara’s stance on being traded. “I’ve been vocal that I don’t want to go anywhere, and I’ve said it countless times, y’all know that, I think everybody knows that, the fan base knows that.” Kamara said back in October.
But if a contender loses a star back during training camp or needs a pass-catching specialist for a Super Bowl run, the phone might ring in Metairie and Mickey Loomis may be faced with a decision. That possible decision would leave Kamara to follow through with his statement of, “I’m going to go drink a piña colada somewhere.”
The Strategy: Trade Kamara for a mid-to-late round pick. While the dead cap hit remains high ($15.2M), the Saints would shed his $11.5 million base salary entirely.
Asset Recoupment: Getting a 4th or 5th round pick for a 31-year-old back is a win in today’s NFL. Sending him to a contender (like Kansas City or Washington) gives Kamara one last shot at a ring, even if it contradicts his "New Orleans or bust" public stance.
A Hybrid Extension
The Saints rarely choose the "clean break." Mickey Loomis has built a culture of rewarding franchise icons. Expect the Saints to restructure and extend Kamara by one additional year (through 2027).
This move will lower his 2026 cap hit to a manageable $8–10 million, keep him as a mentor for a high-round rookie RB, and allow the franchise's all-time leading touchdown scorer to finish his career in Black and Gold. It’s not the most "efficient" move for the spreadsheets, but it’s the most "Saints" move possible.