The New Orleans Saints signed former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a significant four-year, $52 million deal during the free agency period in March. This move intensified speculation that veteran running back Alvin Kamara might leave the team. However, reports of Kamara’s departure were inaccurate.
Alvin Kamara’s agent, Brad Cicala, confirmed to reporters including Mike Garafolo that a new contract for Kamara, anticipated by insiders like Nick Underhill and Terron Armstead, had been finalized on July 15. Cicala stated, “Alvin’s goal, and the team’s goal, was for him to remain with the Saints and retire a Saint.”
Kamara, at 30 years old, is entering his tenth NFL season after being drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has become one of the league’s most versatile running backs, excelling both as a runner and receiver. Kamara holds the Saints’ all-time records for career rushing yards with 7,250 and career rushing touchdowns with 61.
Despite his impressive career, Kamara had his least productive season in 2025, due to ankle and knee injuries that ended his season in Week 12. He recorded 471 yards and one touchdown on 131 carries in 11 games, marking career lows.
With Kamara’s recent challenges, Travis Etienne Jr. will be expected to shoulder more responsibilities in the offense. Second-year head coach Kellen Moore is known for his creativity, which should help maximize Kamara’s contributions. Kamara remains optimistic about his role, reflecting on past successes.
“We’ve done it here before,” Kamara said during Saints’ OTAs, according to ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. “Mark [Ingram] and I, then Latavius [Murray] and I. Having two talented backs benefits each back. Defenses have to prepare for both. It puts them in a dilemma. I think we’ll complement each other well. It’s two talented players.”
The Saints’ offense is looking strong with notable talents. Quarterback Tyler Shough was a finalist for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Additionally, the Saints selected wide receiver Jordyn Tyson as the eighth overall pick in April, partnering him with star receiver Chris Olave. In the unpredictable NFC South, New Orleans aims to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Leave a Reply