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Since his arrival to the New Orleans Saints in 2017, running back Alvin Kamara has been one of the most feared weapons in the NFL. A third round choice from the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2017 NFL Draft, Kamara almost instantly transformed the New Orleans offense. During his nine-year Saints tenure, he's become the franchise's all-time leader in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, total yardage, total points and touchdowns, along with catches and receiving yards for a running back.
Over the last few seasons, Kamara's effectiveness has waned significantly. Part of that was the way he was used by the Saints, often nullifying his best attributes. However, Kamara's own performance have raised some concerning questions going forward.
Just as in year's past, Kamara opened the season as the featured weapon in new head coach Kellen Moore's offense. He began the year with 45 rushing yards in a loss to the Cardinals, catching just 2 passes for another 12 yards. The second game against the 49ers was the type of performance reminiscent of the prime of Kamara's career. He had 99 rushing yards and caught six passes, though totaling only 21 additional yards. As it turned out, that would be the high water mark of Kamara's 2025 campaign.
Only twice during the remainder of the year did Kamara rush for over 45 yards in a game. He picked up 70 yards in Week 4 against the Bills and 83 against the Panthers in Week 10. Kamara had over 40 receiving yards only one time all season, catching 5 passes for 45 yards in Week 6 against the Patriots. During a Week 12 contest against rival Atlanta, Kamara left with a sprained ankle. He'd be out for the remainder of the season.
Kamara played 11 games and appeared in 457 offensive snaps, both the fewest of his career. He had 471 rushing yards, an average of 3.6 per carry, and one score on the ground. Kamara also had 33 receptions for 186 yards and no touchdowns on 39 targets. Every one of those numbers showed a disturbing trend of a steep decline. His average per carry was the lowest of his career, as was his 42.8 average yards on the ground. Kamara had an almost embarrassing (for him) average of 5.6 yards per catch and 17 receiving yards per outing. Most concerning was the fact that Kamara scored only one touchdown all year while contributing less than 60 all-purpose yards per game.
New Orleans made a big splash in free agency when they signed explosive back Travis Etienne Jr. Most expect Etienne to take over the featured role in the offense. His addition fueled rumors that the Saints would move on from Kamara, but that is both premature and so far unfounded. However, it is fair to have doubts about Kamara's future with the Saints beyond 2026. For this coming year though, Kamara could actually be a better player on fewer but more strategic touches with the addition of Etienne.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints 2025 Year in Review: Down year for Alvin Kamara may be his last
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Over the last few seasons, Kamara's effectiveness has waned significantly. Part of that was the way he was used by the Saints, often nullifying his best attributes. However, Kamara's own performance have raised some concerning questions going forward.
Alvin Kamara Year in Review
- Position: Running back
- Age: 30
- Height: 5-feet, 10 inches
- Weight: 210 pounds
- NFL experience: 9 years (with Saints)
- 2025 season: 11 games
Just as in year's past, Kamara opened the season as the featured weapon in new head coach Kellen Moore's offense. He began the year with 45 rushing yards in a loss to the Cardinals, catching just 2 passes for another 12 yards. The second game against the 49ers was the type of performance reminiscent of the prime of Kamara's career. He had 99 rushing yards and caught six passes, though totaling only 21 additional yards. As it turned out, that would be the high water mark of Kamara's 2025 campaign.
Only twice during the remainder of the year did Kamara rush for over 45 yards in a game. He picked up 70 yards in Week 4 against the Bills and 83 against the Panthers in Week 10. Kamara had over 40 receiving yards only one time all season, catching 5 passes for 45 yards in Week 6 against the Patriots. During a Week 12 contest against rival Atlanta, Kamara left with a sprained ankle. He'd be out for the remainder of the season.
Kamara played 11 games and appeared in 457 offensive snaps, both the fewest of his career. He had 471 rushing yards, an average of 3.6 per carry, and one score on the ground. Kamara also had 33 receptions for 186 yards and no touchdowns on 39 targets. Every one of those numbers showed a disturbing trend of a steep decline. His average per carry was the lowest of his career, as was his 42.8 average yards on the ground. Kamara had an almost embarrassing (for him) average of 5.6 yards per catch and 17 receiving yards per outing. Most concerning was the fact that Kamara scored only one touchdown all year while contributing less than 60 all-purpose yards per game.
New Orleans made a big splash in free agency when they signed explosive back Travis Etienne Jr. Most expect Etienne to take over the featured role in the offense. His addition fueled rumors that the Saints would move on from Kamara, but that is both premature and so far unfounded. However, it is fair to have doubts about Kamara's future with the Saints beyond 2026. For this coming year though, Kamara could actually be a better player on fewer but more strategic touches with the addition of Etienne.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints 2025 Year in Review: Down year for Alvin Kamara may be his last
Continue reading...
