Saints nearing decision on Alvin Kamara as future questions grow in New Orleans originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New Orleans Saints appear to be approaching a key decision regarding veteran running back Alvin Kamara, with head coach Kellen Moore recently saying the organization is “getting close” to determining its plans for one of the franchise’s longest-tenured stars.
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Kamara, who turns 31 on July 25, enters the final year of his contract and is scheduled to earn $11.5 million. His future has become a major offseason topic after the Saints signed free-agent running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year deal worth an average of $11.8 million annually, signaling a potentially significant shift in the team’s backfield strategy.
The uncertainty comes after a difficult 2025 season for Kamara. He finished with 131 carries for 471 rushing yards and one touchdown while averaging 3.6 yards per carry in 11 games. He also added 33 receptions for 186 receiving yards, numbers that represented some of the lowest production of his career.
Multiple reports have pointed to concerns surrounding Kamara’s long-term outlook. Recent season reviews noted injuries played a major role in limiting his effectiveness, as he missed the final six games of the year and struggled to maintain the level of production that made him one of the NFL’s elite dual-threat backs. Analysts have also raised broader questions about running back longevity after age 30, especially following heavy workloads accumulated over long careers.
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At the same time, Etienne’s arrival creates a new dynamic in New Orleans. Reports following his signing noted that his addition fueled speculation about Kamara’s future role and whether the Saints are preparing for a transition at the position.
For now, Kamara remains a Saint. But with contract decisions looming and a younger option entering the picture, New Orleans may soon decide whether to continue building around a franchise favorite or turn toward a new era in the backfield.
