The New Orleans Saints made a splash signing in free agency by giving Travis Etienne a 4-year, $52 million contract. This deal was met with elation from fans, but it does leave concern about the future of Alvin Kamara. Mickey Loomis has a dilemma on his hands: Does he keep the veteran or release him? This topic was brought up on Tyrann Mathieu’s podcast In the Bayou with Tyrann Mathieu, where he had an interesting perspective on the situation.
“Me knowing the Saints, they don’t want to cut Kamara. I think they’re hoping Alvin’s coming in and telling them he just wants to retire,” Mathieu said. “The hays in the barn. You’ve got a guy a couple of years younger, explosive, juice, can play first down, second down, and third down. Can return kicks to. Unless they are going to do a two-back system, it’s only one football…”
Mathieu points out that Kamara retiring would be the best-case scenario for the Saints. Etienne will take the reins and is complemented by Devin Neal, plus a possible draft pick, which leaves Kamara’s spot in jeopardy.
The Saints are hoping Alvin Kamara retires, because releasing him isn’t an option
The Saints are banking on Kamara hanging up the cleats, because the backlash from fans if he gets cut will be staggering. Losing him in an offseason where Demario Davis and possibly Cam Jordan both leave would be a major hit to the team’s culture. Loomis is already met with criticism from fans, but it would exponentially rise with this.
Kamara, the Saints all-time leading rusher, has been a franchise cornerstone since being drafted in 2017. His explosiveness as a rusher and receiver has made him a pillar on offense. However, he isn’t the same player he once was. Kamara can still be productive, but the 30 year old just doesn’t have the juice he once had.
Now, only time will tell what Mickey Loomis and the Saints front office will do with Alvin Kamara. He could still be impactful in 2026, but not to the extent fans are used to. The torch has been passed to Travis Etienne and Kamara’s opportunities will quickly fade away.