Pro Football Rumors
Through free agency and the draft, and now into spring practices, Alvin Kamara‘s Saints future has remained unclear. Discussions on a pay cut could take place as New Orleans makes a decision in this case, but no talks on that front have occurred so far.
Kamara recently attended the team’s facility even though he typically works out individually during OTAs. No strife has emerged between team and player to date despite the looming possibility of a reduction in pay or a move ending the nine-year veteran’s tenure in New Orleans. Kamara’s contract has yet to be brought up with respect to direct talks involving general manager Mickey Loomis.
“I haven’t had any conversations in regards to that, so I don’t know,” Kamara said (via ESPN’s Katherine Terrell) when asked if he has talked with the team about a potential pay cut so far this offseason. “I think there’s a time and a place for everything. If that conversation comes up, then I’ll have an answer for you when it comes up.”
As things stand, Kamara is owed $11.5MM for 2026. The nine-year veteran’s scheduled cap charge is $10.45MM, a reasonable figure for many running backs but one complicated by the free agent signing of Travis Etienne. Once the former Jaguar inked a four-year, $47MM deal on the open market, questions were asked about whether or not Kamara would be retained. Loomis has acknowledged finances represent a key factor in the decision, which does not have a firm timeline.
With the calendar having flipped to June, cutting or trading Kamara has become more feasible from a cap perspective. A trade in particular would yield $3.38MM in cap savings in 2026 along with $11.13MM next season (the first void year on the five-time Pro Bowler’s deal). Kamara is preparing for his age-31 season, whereas Etienne is 27.
Despite that age gap and the value of the investment made in Etienne this spring, the possibility has been raised that Kamara could agree to a restructure and remain in place at a reduced rate. If no arrangement can be made on that front, a reunion with Sean Payton in Denver could be something to watch for over the summer. For now, though, this situation remains a cordial one.
“On my side, I feel no pressure,” Kamara added. “There’s no beef or no bad blood, I don’t think. I’m doing what I do every year: working. And whatever decisions that got to be made, they’ll be made.”
