Alvin Kamara is the most decorated rusher in New Orleans Saints history, and he is on the cusp of owning that same mantle in NFC South history. There's a pair of Carolina Panthers in his way, as well as the New Orleans Saints front office. The latter feels like the biggest obstacle.
We're approaching the first day of July, and it's still uncertain if Kamara will suit up for the Saints this upcoming season. We thought the first day of June was the moment we'd receive some clarity. Boy were we wrong.
In the last month, we've been sprinkled with a suspicious report from a media member, a lack of certainty from the decision makers, a surprise appearance at organized team activities followed by a deterioration of certainty. Basically, we've got everything other than resolution of Kamara's future. If Kamara has played his last game in the black and gold, he and fans will be robbed of seeing Kamara etch his name in the NFC South record books.
Alvin Kamara should retire as the most accomplished rusher in Saints and NFC South history
The math is simple. Kamara has spent his entire career with the Saints. He's currently sitting at 7250 rushing yards and 61 rushing touchdowns. Both of those numbers are the best in Saints history, and he passed those a couple seasons ago.
Kamara could've got both records in NFC South history as well if he hadn't gotten hurt last year. However, here we are, and the uncertainty of his future could take the opportunity away. If Kamara plays in New Orleans this year, he's certainly getting the yards record. He isn't far from the touchdown record either, but those are hard to predict.
Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart leads the division with 7318 rushing yards, and his quarterback, Cam Newton, leads the division with 63 touchdowns. Even with Travis Etienne leading the charge for the Saints this year, 69 yards and 3 touchdowns to have sole possession of the records is doable.
Kamara is getting the yardage record unless there's an early season injury. The touchdown record creates more intrigue. The Saints could do right by Kamara and ensure he gets the touchdown record. But will they? With possible bad blood involved, it's a question worth asking. The Saints could instead opt for letting it happen or not happen naturally. It isn't a franchise record, so not many would even bat an eye.
You can already argue through talent and longevity that Kamara is the best running back in NFC South history. If he secures these two records, it'll be hard to argue against it.
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