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Contracts for running backs are a complicated subject. On the one hand, having a reliable and productive running back is an important building block for any NFL offense. On the other hand, the position itself has been devalued as one that can be replenished with talent and cheap contracts in the NFL draft.
Of course, you have players who buck the trend of being replaced by rookies or players off the street. Who is replacing Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, or Jonathan Taylor? Replacement-level running backs can be found in the draft, but game changers and players who continue to produce when the "cliff" is supposed to come are available.
So what about Saints longtime running back Alvin Kamara?
Kamara was one of the initial case studies for running backs in the draft after bursting on the scene and forming one of the best duos with bruiser Mark Ingram. The Saints rewarded Kamara, but lately, the sentiment is that the juice isn't worth the squeeze for the running back.
The notion has been given legs after the Saints signed former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne under the belief that the team may be done with Kamara.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes Kamara is one of the most overpaid players in the NFL.
2026 cash salary: $11.5 million
Cash rank among RBs: T-9th
"Last season, Alvin Kamara showed signs of decline in his play, during which he accumulated a career-low 657 scrimmage yards and scored one touchdown. Moreover, the 30-year-old has missed 13 games over the previous three terms and earned his last Pro Bowl nod in 2021.
The New Orleans Saints cast uncertainty around Kamara's short-term future when they signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $48 million deal.
According to ESPN's Katherine Terrell, Kamara's contract situation will dictate whether he remains on the Saints roster.
"The Saints need to address his $11.5 million salary this summer before the 30-year-old's roster spot is secure," Terrell wrote.
Although Kamara is beloved within the Saints' fanbase, it's clear that he's on the downside of his career. The nine-year veteran will likely need to take a pay cut to remain with the team because of his recent availability issues and diminished production from the previous campaign."
The ninth-highest running back salary seems high. Kamara should settle into a complementary role. That salary feels like a featured back contract. The Saints have a decision to make, but regardless of salary, Kamara and Etienne can be a top duo in the NFL.
Continue reading...
Of course, you have players who buck the trend of being replaced by rookies or players off the street. Who is replacing Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, or Jonathan Taylor? Replacement-level running backs can be found in the draft, but game changers and players who continue to produce when the "cliff" is supposed to come are available.
So what about Saints longtime running back Alvin Kamara?
Kamara was one of the initial case studies for running backs in the draft after bursting on the scene and forming one of the best duos with bruiser Mark Ingram. The Saints rewarded Kamara, but lately, the sentiment is that the juice isn't worth the squeeze for the running back.
The notion has been given legs after the Saints signed former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne under the belief that the team may be done with Kamara.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes Kamara is one of the most overpaid players in the NFL.
2026 cash salary: $11.5 million
Cash rank among RBs: T-9th
"Last season, Alvin Kamara showed signs of decline in his play, during which he accumulated a career-low 657 scrimmage yards and scored one touchdown. Moreover, the 30-year-old has missed 13 games over the previous three terms and earned his last Pro Bowl nod in 2021.
The New Orleans Saints cast uncertainty around Kamara's short-term future when they signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $48 million deal.
According to ESPN's Katherine Terrell, Kamara's contract situation will dictate whether he remains on the Saints roster.
"The Saints need to address his $11.5 million salary this summer before the 30-year-old's roster spot is secure," Terrell wrote.
Although Kamara is beloved within the Saints' fanbase, it's clear that he's on the downside of his career. The nine-year veteran will likely need to take a pay cut to remain with the team because of his recent availability issues and diminished production from the previous campaign."
The ninth-highest running back salary seems high. Kamara should settle into a complementary role. That salary feels like a featured back contract. The Saints have a decision to make, but regardless of salary, Kamara and Etienne can be a top duo in the NFL.
Continue reading...
