Saints ink Kamara to 5-year extension worth reported $75M
The New Orleans Saints and running back Alvin Kamara agreed to a five-year contract extension, the team announced Saturday.
Kamara's deal is worth $75 million and contains $34.33 million in guarantees, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Its average annual value of $15 million ties him with the Dallas Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott for the second-highest figure among running backs. Christian McCaffrey secured a $16-million yearly salary with the Carolina Panthers to top all players at the position.
The extension ends any speculation he could be traded. Rumors that New Orleans was open to moving the 25-year-old surfaced after he missed multiple days of practice, though Kamara denied his absences were related to his contract.
"I ain't never held out in my life," he said Monday. "I came to the building every day. That's all I've got to say."
Kamara has been one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the NFL since joining the Saints as a third-round pick in 2017, contributing as a rusher, receiver, and occasionally as a returner.
Alvin Kamara from 2017-19
| Total Yards | Yards Per Attempt | TDs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing | 2408 | 5 | 27 |
| Receiving | 2068 | 8.5 | 10 |
| Kickoff returns | 473 | 31.5 | 1 |
| Punt returns | 112 | 7 | 0 |
Kamara and the Saints will begin their 2020 season Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.