The New Orleans Saints are reportedly nearing a contract extension with Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara.
Kamara is a Three-time Pro Bowler who has emerged as one of the premier multipurpose players in the NFL. Over the past three years he has rushed for 2,408 yards and 27 touchdowns while adding 243 receptions for 2,068 yards and another 10 receiving touchdowns.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the two sides are “extremely close to a lucrative new extension that the two sides are hoping to finalize in the next few days.”
The Saints and Kamara have a small window to get the deal done with players having an off day Tuesday.
Last week, there were conflicting reports about Kamara’s absence from Saints practice. While Schefter reported that Kamara’s unexcused absences were assumed to be related to his contract.
According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Kamara denies any story of him holding out.
“I ain’t never held out in my life. That’s about it, I came to the building everyday. That’s all I’ve got to say.”
Schefter reported that Kamara had three unexcused absences from practice that were believed to be related to his contract. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network noted Kamara received an epidural shot in his back. Which was his legitimate reason for missing three days of practice.
Teams have shown a willingness to invest in star players at the running back position this offseason. Christian McCaffrey signed a four-year extension with the Carolina Panthers worth up to $64 million.
Then the Cincinnati Bengals gave Joe Mixon a four-year, $48 million extension last week. So it is expected that the Saints will also pay him between $50-70 million.
Kamara is entering the final year of his rookie contract. His $2.13 million base salary is tied for 18th among all running backs in 2020, per Spotrac.
But New Orleans is in extremely rough salary cap shape for the 2021 season, and this deal will only add to the Saints’ payroll next year. It’s going to be tough for the Saints to stay near the top of the league — especially considering that Drew Brees isn’t getting any younger.
