Saints have started contract talks with Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara

The New Orleans Saints have “gotten the ball rolling” with Alvin Kamara’s contract extension. This is music to the ears for many fans.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the ball is rolling. That’s an important step in Alvin Kamara’s contract extension talks. With numerous high-profile running backs on the market this offseason, the Saints will be looking to lock up their three-time Pro Bowler.

Kamara had a down year in 2019, playing through an injury for the bulk of the season. It was clear that he wasn’t at full strength after his Week 6 injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kamara ended the season with 14 games played and six starts.

Kamara, who has reached the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons despite his injury, recorded 1,330 all-purpose yards. While he still topped 1,000, Kamara failed to reach 1,500, a mark he hit his first two seasons in the league.

That said, here’s a clip of Fowler talking about Kamara and the situation that he’ll be dealing with moving forward.

The two sides “have begun contract negotiations.”

That’s a good start. In a waning running back market, this at least shows that the two sides are going to be in talks and looking to strike a deal. Another top running back, Derrick Henry, was given a four-year, $50 million deal this offseason.

Kamara’s isn’t expected to be quite that high, but looking around the $8-10 million range may not be too far off. He’s been a crucial part of their offense, and when healthy, he’s one of the best multi-dimensional running backs in the NFL.

The Saints have done their best to keep the talent they’ve drafted in the Big Easy. Michael Thomas, for instance, signed a huge contract last offseason and, most recently, put up the single-season record in receptions.

With Demario Davis and Marcus Williams just a few of the team’s loaded 2021 free agency class, locking Kamara up early should be of utmost importance for the Saints.