What Happened to Alvin Kamara?
Alvin Kamara is a prominent NFL running back for the New Orleans Saints, known for his dual-threat ability. After signing a contract extension in late 2024, his 2025 season was hampered by a knee injury, leading to a significant contract restructure in March 2026 that has cast uncertainty over his long-term future with the team and potentially signals a reduced role or even a departure.
Quick Answer
Alvin Kamara's future with the New Orleans Saints is uncertain as of March 2026, following an unusual contract restructure that provides the team with significant cap flexibility if they part ways with him. He is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season where he played a career-low 11 games due to a knee injury, and his production saw a notable decline. While still under contract for 2026, the restructure, which differed from standard conversions, suggests the Saints may be preparing for a future without their long-time star running back.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline10 events
Drafted by New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round (67th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
Kamara had a breakout rookie season, earning the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Five Consecutive Pro Bowl Selections
Kamara was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first five seasons in the NFL, showcasing his consistent elite performance.
Leads NFL in Touchdowns
Kamara led the NFL with a franchise-record 21 touchdowns (16 rushing, 5 receiving) in the 2020 season.
2024 Season Recap Released
Kamara's 2024 season saw him lead the Saints in rushing yards (950) and receptions (68), falling just short of his first 1,000-yard rushing season. He also became the franchise's all-time leader in rushing yards.
Signs Two-Year Contract Extension
Alvin Kamara signed a two-year contract extension with the New Orleans Saints, keeping him under contract through the 2026 season.
Injury-Plagued Season
Kamara played a career-low 11 games in 2025 due to a knee injury, finishing with 471 rushing yards and one touchdown, marking a significant decline in production.
2025 Season Recap Released
The Saints released their recap of Kamara's 2025 season, highlighting his career-low 11 games played due to injury and his 471 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Contract Restructured by Saints
The New Orleans Saints restructured Alvin Kamara's contract, converting $10.155 million of his salary to lower his 2026 cap hit by $8 million. This unusual restructure provides the team with flexibility if they choose to move on from him.
Future with Saints Deemed 'Uncertain'
Reports from ESPN's Katherine Terrell indicate that Alvin Kamara's long-term future with the New Orleans Saints is 'uncertain' following his contract restructure, with the team potentially looking to get younger at the running back position.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Alvin Kamara has been a cornerstone of the New Orleans Saints' offense since being drafted in 2017, establishing himself as one of the NFL's premier dual-threat running backs. His career has been marked by consistent production, earning him five Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro Second Team honors.
In October 2024, Kamara signed a two-year contract extension, securing his presence with the Saints through the 2026 season. However, the subsequent 2025 season proved challenging, as Kamara played a career-low 11 games due to a knee injury. His performance metrics declined, with a career-low 471 rushing yards and only one touchdown on 131 carries, alongside reduced involvement in the passing game. This marked a significant drop in efficiency and raised concerns about his durability as he approaches his age-31 season.
The most recent and significant development occurred in early March 2026, when the Saints restructured Kamara's contract. This move, which converted $10.155 million of his salary, lowered his 2026 cap number by approximately $8 million. However, unlike standard restructures for other players like Juwan Johnson and Justin Reid, Kamara's conversion did not add to his guaranteed money beyond the $3 million already set for 2026. This '50 percent rule' restructure provides the Saints with unusual flexibility, making it easier for them to potentially part ways with Kamara this offseason without incurring a heavy dead cap hit.
Analysts and journalists widely interpret this unique restructuring as a signal that Kamara's long-term future in New Orleans is uncertain, with some suggesting his release could be imminent. The team is reportedly looking to get younger and spend less at the running back position, especially given Kamara's recent injury history and declining production. While there's no definitive sign he won't be with the team, the move allows the Saints to explore other options, including drafting a replacement. If he remains, he is likely to see a reduced, complementary role in the 2026 season.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Alvin Kamara made different choices?