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Alvin Kamara Plans to Stay With Saints After Surprise Return to OTAs

A recent contract tweak and cap math sharply limit short-term savings from a cut or trade, making retention, a rework, or a reduced complementary role the most likely outcomes.

Overview

  • Kamara’s agent, Brad Cicala, told NFL Network that Kamara plans to play for the New Orleans Saints in 2026, a quote reported Wednesday by Mike Garafolo.
  • Kamara unexpectedly showed up for voluntary OTAs this week, and coach Kellen Moore called his presence a pleasant surprise since Kamara normally trains off-site.
  • The Saints signed Travis Etienne earlier in the offseason, which raised questions about how the backfield would be divided and whether Kamara would remain the team’s featured back.
  • Reporting says the Saints recently tweaked Kamara’s contract so cutting him now would save under $400,000 against the 2026 cap and a trade would only help if another team assumed about $3 million in guaranteed salary.
  • Given the player’s stated intent, on-field attendance, and the limited immediate cap relief, the team now appears most likely to keep Kamara while exploring a restructuring, a reduced complementary role with Etienne, or a measured front-office move later this summer.