On October 22, 2024, the New Orleans Saints and star running back Alvin Kamara agreed to a two-year contract extension worth approximately $24.5 million, with over $22 million guaranteed and an additional $1.5 million in incentives. This extension secures Kamara’s place on the team through the 2026 season.
Kamara, who was selected by the Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, has been a pivotal player for the franchise. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he has accumulated 6,267 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns, making him the franchise’s all-time leader in total touchdowns (85), rushing touchdowns (60), yards from scrimmage (10,738), and all-purpose yardage (11,396). He is currently just 234 yards shy of becoming the Saints’ all-time leading rusher.
In the 2024 season, Kamara has continued to demonstrate his value, recording 438 rushing yards and six touchdowns, along with 34 receptions for 252 yards and an additional touchdown over seven games. His performance has been instrumental in the Saints’ offense, leading the team in both rushing and receiving yards.
The contract extension not only rewards Kamara’s on-field contributions but also provides significant financial benefits for the Saints. The new deal is expected to save the team approximately $18 million against the 2025 salary cap, offering greater flexibility for future roster decisions.
Kamara has consistently expressed his desire to remain with the Saints for the entirety of his career. In July 2024, he stated, “I want to be a Saint. I want to retire here.” This extension brings him closer to that goal, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the franchise.
The agreement also reflects the organization’s commitment to retaining key talent and maintaining a competitive roster. By securing Kamara’s services through 2026, the Saints ensure that one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players remains in New Orleans, much to the delight of their fans.
This extension comes amid a broader trend of NFL teams investing in their star running backs. Notably, earlier in 2024, both Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley secured significant contract extensions, underscoring the continued value of elite running backs in the league.
In summary, Alvin Kamara’s two-year extension with the New Orleans Saints not only rewards his exceptional performance and loyalty but also positions both player and team for sustained success in the coming years.
