New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is displeased with the current state of his contract. Kamara skipped the final practice of mandatory minicamp on Thursday. He's now subject to a monetary fine as he attempts to ignite contract negotiations.
Kamara technically has two years remaining on a previously signed five-year, $75 million extension. The details reveal Kamara's deal is effectively a one-year contract heading into 2024, though. The former Tennessee standout is slated to earn $10.2 million in base salary this season, but just $1 million of that is guaranteed. His 2025 base is an inflated $22.4 million with zero guarantees—the Saints likely don't intend to see that through.
Just spoke to Alvin Kamara's agent Brad Cicala, who confirms Kamara's departure is contract-related. https://t.co/1Ls47eU0do
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2024
For all the chatter that running backs don't matter, the market has actually been fairly kind to them this offseason. Cream-of-the-crop player Christian McCaffrey recently signed a two-year extension through 2027 worth a tacked-on $38 million (a position-high $19 million APY). The Houston Texans traded for Joe Mixon and gave him a three-year extension worth $25.5 million.
Saquon Barkley was the prize possession of this year's free agency class, inking a multi-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $12.5 million per campaign. Josh Jacobs got $12 million per season over four years with the Green Bay Packers, though they left themselves a quick out in that contract. The aging Derrick Henry got $8 million annually from the Baltimore Ravens, as did D'Andre Swift from the Chicago Bears.
The Saints should tread with caution when reframing Kamara's deal. The former third-round pick is coming off a disappointing 2023 season in which he posted career-low marks in rushing yards (694) and yards per reception (6.2). Head coach Dennis Allen responded by hiring Klint Kubiak to be his new offensive coordinator this offseason.
Kubiak oversees a player-friendly scheme that has often elevated the performances of running backs. For example, McCaffrey won Offensive Player of the Year honors in a version of Kubiak's system last season. So there’s hope Kamara recaptures his previous form, but he has significant wear on his tires entering his age-29 season.
"We been in constant communication."
— NOF (@nofnetwork) June 13, 2024
-- Klint Kubiak on Alvin Kamara pic.twitter.com/FQtWoL5u4C
The Saints should be willing to renegotiate Kamara's existing two-year deal without tacking on additional surefire years to the agreement. General manager Mickey Loomis should aim to avoid guaranteeing Kamara anything well into his 30s. The five-time Pro Bowler would likely be satisfied with adding guaranteed money to his 2025 season, something he doesn’t currently possess.
A reworked three-year contract worth $30 million with $18 million guaranteed would qualify as fair. Kamara would position himself slightly ahead of the Mixon extension ($8.5 million APY, $16 million guaranteed) as comparable dual-threat backs that were both 2017 draft picks. That's significantly more guaranteed money than Kamara's current deal possesses, but it also protects the Saints from adding a guaranteed third year. Everybody wins.
It's difficult to say exactly what amendment Kamara is searching for. Perhaps increasing his 2024 salary and/or guarantees would suffice. Or maybe adding statistical-based incentives would satisfy. Either way, the Saints should make a valiant effort to keep an all-time franchise great happy.
