The clock is ticking for Alvin Kamara and the New Orleans Saints. With training camp just weeks away, the franchise seems to be heading toward a split with its longtime running back. Head coach Kellen Moore hinted back in May that the team was “getting close” to finalizing plans for Kamara, but here we are in late June, and the situation remains unresolved.
Kamara, who managed just 471 rushing yards last season, is set to earn $11.5 million in 2026. That hefty price tag, combined with the addition of Travis Etienne to the roster, has led many to believe the Saints are ready to move on. Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com recently argued that cutting ties with Kamara would be a smart move for the organization.
“With Kamara out of the picture, the Saints could hand the backfield keys to Travis Etienne and give more snaps to their stable of young reserve backs, Devin Neal, Kendre Miller, and Audric Estimé,” Duncan wrote. “It might not be the ending either side envisioned two years ago when Kamara signed a two-year, $24.5 million contract extension. But there are certainly worse ways for a relationship to end.”
Duncan also noted that Kamara’s surprise appearance at OTAs was viewed by insiders as more of a publicity stunt than a genuine effort to rekindle his role. The veteran back’s future in New Orleans has been a topic of speculation ever since, especially after a cryptic social media post. “All that salt only killin a snail…” Kamara wrote on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after Duncan’s article went live. While it’s unclear if the message was directed at the columnist, it certainly fueled fan speculation about his intentions.
Kamara currently counts $10.4 million against the Saints’ salary cap—a steep price for a player whose production has dipped. Since joining the Saints in 2017, he has amassed 7,250 rushing yards, 4,948 receiving yards, and 86 touchdowns, making him a beloved figure in New Orleans. But as Duncan pointed out, even legends eventually have to step aside. Demario Davis, another Saints icon, recently noted that “the good times only roll for so long, and sometimes it’s best to move on.”
The Saints are scheduled to kick off training camp on July 29, and the team’s decision on Kamara could come any day now. If they do part ways, it would mark the end of an era for a player who has been a cornerstone of the offense. The franchise might look to Etienne as the new lead back, while also giving more reps to younger players like Neal, Miller, and Estimé.
This potential breakup comes amid a busy offseason for the Saints, who are also preparing for their historic Paris debut against the Steelers. Meanwhile, the NFL has already released official training camp dates for all teams, adding to the urgency for New Orleans to make a call.
Whether Kamara stays or goes, one thing is clear: the Saints are at a crossroads. The next few weeks will determine if this franchise legend remains in black and gold or if it’s time for both sides to start fresh.
