Despite not securing a long-term contract extension before the regular season kicked off, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has remained a significant asset to his team.
The Saints opened their season with a commanding 57-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers, and Kamara was a key contributor to that win.
When asked about the status of his contract negotiations, Kamara made it clear that he is not letting it affect his focus or performance on the field.
“I’m not worried about it,” Kamara stated, via Katherine Terrell of ESPN. “I’m here to play. I’m gonna play. I’m gonna perform. I ain’t got no illness. I ain’t got no mystery injury. I’m here. You know what I’m saying?”
Kamara’s performance against the Panthers demonstrated his value to the team. He rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, and he also caught five passes for 27 yards. His versatility and ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air make him a key player in the Saints’ offensive strategy as they aim to dominate the NFC South.
Since being drafted by the Saints in 2017, Kamara has accumulated 5,829 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns. He has also recorded 4,219 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns, earning him a reputation as one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. Despite his impressive stats, Kamara hasn’t been selected for the Pro Bowl since 2021 due to injuries that have limited his production. Additionally, he has yet to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, which may be one of the reasons why contract extension talks have stalled.
Although Kamara is under contract through the 2025 season, the Saints have an option to release him after 2024, putting the future of his time in New Orleans in question. While the team’s salary cap situation complicates contract discussions, Kamara remains focused on winning games rather than dwelling on negotiations.
With his track record of success and determination to keep playing at a high level, Kamara is expected to continue being a critical piece of the Saints’ puzzle as they strive for a successful season.
