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Saints Nearing Decision on Alvin Kamara's Future After Decline

ESPN NFL •
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Alvin Kamara's future with the New Orleans Saints remains unresolved as the team enters the final stages of their offseason evaluation. The running back posted career lows across the board in 2025, managing just 471 rushing yards and one touchdown while missing six games to knee and ankle injuries. Coach Kellen Moore indicated the organization is "getting close" to a decision but emphasized the ongoing evaluation process.

Kamara, who turns 31 in July, is scheduled to earn $11.5 million in the final year of his contract. The Saints' recent signing of Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $11.8 million average deal has complicated matters. Kamara hasn't participated in voluntary OTAs for several years, and his contract includes a $358,000 de-escalator for missing offseason activities. The team must weigh his declining production against his salary cap implications.

General manager Mickey Loomis outlined several potential outcomes, including a pay cut, post-June 1 release, or trade. Keeping Kamara at his current salary would count $10.4 million against the 2026 cap, while releasing him after June 1st would free up $3.3 million in cap space. The Saints appear poised to make a definitive roster decision within the next two weeks, with resource management driving the timeline.

Ultimately, Kamara's absence from voluntary workouts and his contract structure suggest the Saints are leaning toward moving on, making this less about negotiation and more about damage control for both parties.