The New Orleans Saints are facing significant financial difficulties within the NFL. After years of deferring the issue, the time has come for the contracts on their books to mature. They are projected to exceed the salary cap by $30 million, surpassing the next highest team with a current deficit of -$81,954,847. This could result in some players being released this summer, and one potential candidate is running back Alvin Kamara.
NFC cut candidates: Alvin Kamara, Aaron Jones among potential casualties of free agency frenzy (via @MattOkada)https://t.co/xr3khLB2me pic.twitter.com/qmFLbpHPyx
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 19, 2024
Kamara capitalized on his explosive performance as one of the top running backs in the NFL, securing a lucrative contract a few years ago. He achieved over 1,500 scrimmage yards in three out of his first four seasons, with 1,330 yards in the remaining season. He scored a total of 31 touchdowns in his rookie and sophomore seasons, leading the league with 21 touchdowns in 2020.
This exceptional performance prompted the Saints to reward him with a 5-year extension worth $75 million, making him one of the highest-paid running backs in recent years. However, for the 2024 season, Kamara is projected to have the highest salary cap impact among all running backs in the league, amounting to $18.8 million.
Releasing Kamara at this point would be crucial for the New Orleans Saints. While he still managed to achieve over 1,100 total yards in 2023, his effectiveness has diminished as he approaches his late twenties, and his production no longer justifies his compensation.
New Orleans Saints Taysom Hill is the only player in the Super Bowl era to have 10+ passing, rushing, and receiving touchdowns in his career.
Hill has a $15.7 million salary cap number. pic.twitter.com/sEZYr7re0i
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) February 18, 2024
The decision will be made at an opportune time. Kamara’s dead cap number significantly decreases after the June 1st deadline, allowing the team to free up $11.7 million in salary cap space if they release him after that date. However, they will still have to absorb $7 million in dead cap, which is a considerable improvement compared to previous years.
Additionally, the Saints have Derek Carr’s 4-year, $150 million contract on their payroll, and four different offensive linemen will earn over $10 million in 2024. If the Saints choose to retain Kamara for another year, they will face a staggering $29 million price tag for 2025.
According to the Source sportslens.com