Recent news regarding New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara includes his two-year contract extension signed in October 2024, keeping him with the team through 2026, and his endorsement of interim head coach Darren Rizzi for the full-time job.

Alvin Kamara’s recent moves signal a new era for the New Orleans Saints—a blend of on-field excellence, long-term commitment, and a stirring endorsement for leadership from within the locker room. In October 2024, the Saints and their star running back inked a two-year contract extension that will keep Kamara in New Orleans through the 2026 season. Alongside the contract news, Kamara took to social media to publicly back interim head coach Darren Rizzi for the full-time position. This article examines the details of his new deal, dissects what it means for the franchise, and explores the potential impact of his endorsement of Rizzi on the team’s future.

A New Contract for a Franchise Icon

In a move that reverberated throughout the NFL offseason news cycle, Alvin Kamara agreed to a two-year contract extension with the New Orleans Saints on October 22, 2024. The deal, valued at approximately $24.5 million, features more than $22 million guaranteed and comes with a hefty signing bonus of roughly $15.5 million. This extension not only secures his services for two additional seasons but also fortifies his legacy as one of the most cherished and productive players in Saints’ history.

Kamara’s contract details have been widely reported by multiple outlets. According to reports on NFL.com and other reputable sources, the extension was designed to offer financial security to the veteran running back while also helping the organization manage its salary cap situation. The Saints are expected to see cap savings of approximately $18 million for the 2025 season as a direct result of restructuring his previous deal to accommodate this new extension . Given that Kamara entered the 2024 season without any guaranteed money remaining on his 2020 contract, this swift move to a new agreement underscores not only his market value as one of the elite running backs in the league but also his unwavering commitment to New Orleans.

Commitment to Retire a Saint

For Kamara, the decision to re-sign was not merely a business transaction—it was deeply personal. Throughout his career, the running back has repeatedly voiced his desire to remain with the Saints, frequently stating that he wants to “be a Saint” and even retire in the city he has come to love. His extended contract now places him in an enviable position to fulfill that promise, as he looks forward to finishing his playing career with the organization that first drafted him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft .

This commitment resonates not only with the team and its management but also with the passionate New Orleans fan base. In a city known for its deep-rooted love of football and its players, Kamara’s decision reinforces the notion that loyalty is as important in today’s high-stakes NFL landscape as it was in the past. His bond with the team and the community extends beyond statistics—it’s a relationship built on mutual respect, shared history, and a genuine love for the game of football.

The Price Tag of Excellence

Breaking down the financials, Kamara’s two-year deal is structured to reflect both his elite status and his consistent performance on the field. With over $22 million guaranteed, the extension gives him a significant payday that rivals the market’s standards for top-tier running backs. Moreover, the inclusion of a $15.5 million signing bonus not only smooths out his earnings but also sends a strong signal to free agency markets: the Saints are not in the habit of letting go of their best talents without ensuring their financial security.

The timing of the extension is equally important. Coming on the heels of a promising start to the 2024 season, in which Kamara posted 438 rushing yards and six touchdowns (along with notable receiving stats), the deal validates his on-field contributions and the excitement he generates every time he steps onto the field. His performance this season—emphasized by his role in approaching several franchise milestones, including becoming just shy of the team’s all-time rushing leader—has further cemented his status as a cornerstone of the Saints’ offense.

On-Field Impact and Legacy

Alvin Kamara’s production on the field over the past eight seasons has been nothing short of historic. He stands as the franchise’s all-time leader in total touchdowns and exhibits remarkable versatility, combining rushing prowess with strong receiving skills. His ability to line up as both a runner and a receiver has forced opposing defenses to prepare in multiple ways and has kept the Saints’ offense dynamic and unpredictable.

This season alone, his statistics underscore a maturity and efficiency that many veterans aspire to. Kamara’s performance has not only contributed significantly to game outcomes but has also elevated the expectations around what the Saints’ backfield can achieve. His work ethic, combined with his natural talent, makes him an indispensable part of the team’s future strategy as the organization looks to build around core players in the coming years.

Endorsing Darren Rizzi: A Vote for Continuity and Change

While the new contract extension was headline-grabbing for its financial details and its promise of long-term commitment, Kamara’s public endorsement of interim head coach Darren Rizzi has garnered equal attention. On January 21, 2025, Kamara took to social media and tweeted, “Aite my vote for head coach rhyme wit Fizzi…”—a clear, albeit playful, endorsement for Rizzi to be given the full-time coaching job .

Why Kamara’s Voice Matters

In sports, the opinions of established veterans often carry more weight than those of front-office personnel or media pundits. Kamara’s endorsement of Rizzi is significant for several reasons:

• Influence on Teammates: As one of the team’s most respected figures, Kamara’s support could bolster Rizzi’s position among the locker room. His words act as a vote of confidence, likely swaying other players and contributing to a unified front during a period of uncertainty.
• Fan Impact: Fans look up to Kamara not just for his on-field exploits but also for his leadership. When a player of his stature voices his opinion on critical team decisions, it resonates with the community and can help set the tone for what supporters expect from the coaching staff.
• Bridging Old and New: By backing Rizzi—a coach who emerged from within the organization—the extension and the endorsement together symbolize both continuity and positive change. While the Saints recently fired former head coach Dennis Allen amid a string of disappointing performances, Kamara’s vote for Rizzi signals an openness to reinvigorating the team with internal talent and fresh ideas.

The Rizzi Factor

Darren Rizzi has been with the Saints since 2019, initially serving as a special teams coordinator before stepping into the role of interim head coach after the dismissal of Dennis Allen. Despite a challenging finish to the previous season, Rizzi’s background and his deep familiarity with the organization give him unique insights into the team’s culture and potential. Kamara’s endorsement serves as a reminder that sometimes the best leadership comes from within—a sentiment that might help steer the franchise back on course.

Some media observers have noted that while Rizzi’s record as interim head coach has its ups and downs (a 3–5 run to close out the season), his ability to infuse the team with “serious energy” cannot be overlooked. Veteran teammates, including defensive stalwarts and fellow skill players, have echoed similar praises, suggesting that Rizzi’s style might be exactly what the team needs for a turnaround. In this light, Kamara’s vote is as much about maintaining the right spirit in the locker room as it is about on-field strategy.

The Broader Implications for the Saints

Financial and Cap Space Benefits

The new extension is more than just a contract; it’s a strategic maneuver that impacts the Saints’ broader financial picture. By restructuring Kamara’s previous deal and offering a new extension, the organization has managed to free up significant salary cap space in 2025. This financial flexibility is vital in an era where team rosters are increasingly expensive and cap mismanagement can derail even the most talented squads. The savings of roughly $18 million can be redirected towards acquiring new talent, filling critical roster spots, or even absorbing other veteran salaries, positioning the Saints for both present competitiveness and future growth.

Stability and Future Leadership

Kamara’s decision to re-sign with the Saints carries significant symbolic weight. In recent years, the NFL has seen its fair share of high-profile departures, with star players moving on to join multiple franchises. Kamara’s choice to remain in New Orleans not only stabilizes the team on the field but also reinforces a culture of loyalty and continuity. It sends a powerful message to agents, players, and fans alike: the Saints are building something lasting, and key figures within the organization are all in for the long haul.

This stability is particularly crucial as the team navigates a transitional phase in its coaching staff. With the firing of Dennis Allen and the interim appointment of Rizzi, the organization is at a crossroads. Kamara’s clear vote for Rizzi—delivered in his characteristically offbeat, candid manner—suggests that the players believe in internal continuity and are ready to embrace leaders who understand the culture and history of the team. His endorsement also comes at a time when the front office is reportedly engaging with several candidates for the full-time head coach position, adding a layer of insider pressure to select a coach who truly resonates with the team’s ethos.

Fan and Media Reactions

In a city known for its fervent love of football, Kamara’s actions have reverberated far beyond the confines of the locker room. Social media lit up with reactions to both his contract extension and his endorsement tweet for Rizzi. Fans have expressed admiration for his loyalty and optimism, while sports analysts have praised the dual significance of the moves. The narrative emerging is one of renewal—a team committed to honoring its past while energetically looking toward its future. Major outlets such as Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and NFL Trade Rumors have highlighted Kamara’s influence, noting that his actions could very well spark a turning point for the struggling franchise .

Looking to the Future: A New Era in New Orleans

Alvin Kamara’s re-signing and his enthusiastic support for Darren Rizzi set the stage for what many hope will be a revitalized Saints franchise in the coming years. With his contract extension, Kamara cements his place as a team icon, ensuring that his legacy and potentially his final chapter as a player will be written in New Orleans. His combined on-field performance and off-field leadership provide a blueprint for how the team can return to contention.

Moreover, his public endorsement of Rizzi hints at a broader paradigm shift. It suggests a willingness to trust established voices within the organization a critical factor when morale and chemistry have been tested. For the Saints, a team that has long struggled with consistency, such internal unity could prove to be the most valuable asset of all.

Analysts and fans alike remain cautiously optimistic. While challenges persist including roster depth issues, salary cap concerns, and the looming postseason picture the intrinsic improvements in team culture and leadership dynamics cannot be dismissed. When one of the NFL’s most talented running backs publicly casts his vote for a particular coach, it’s not merely a personal preference; it reflects a deep-seated belief in the direction that the team should be headed.

Conclusion

Alvin Kamara’s two-pronged announcement his new contract extension and his enthusiastic endorsement of Darren Rizzi marks a critical juncture for the New Orleans Saints. It is a statement that blends financial acumen, on-field excellence, and unequivocal loyalty to the franchise. The deal not only secures Kamara’s immediate future but also reinforces his commitment to retiring as a Saint. Simultaneously, his support for Rizzi underscores a conviction that the team’s next phase of evolution will be best led by someone who has grown within the organization.

For New Orleans, a city that lives and breathes football, these developments signal a hopeful new chapter. Kamara’s leadership, both in his play and in his willingness to speak candidly about what he believes is best for the team, is a beacon for what the Saints aspire to be—a united, resilient, and competitive force on the field. As the team navigates its current challenges and looks ahead to the future, the moves made by one of its most respected players may well prove to be the catalyst for the revival of a storied franchise.

In a league defined by change and short-lived loyalties, the decision by Alvin Kamara to extend his contract and publicly back the internal candidate for head coach is a testament to the enduring spirit of New Orleans. For fans and analysts alike, these moves provide not only a reason to celebrate but also a renewed sense of optimism about what lies ahead for the Saints.

Ultimately, Alvin Kamara’s actions encapsulate the essence of being a Saint a commitment to excellence, a deep bond with the community, and the courage to push for change when it’s needed most. As the Saints continue their pursuit of success on the gridiron, the seeds planted by Kamara’s extension and endorsement may very well blossom into a long-awaited turnaround for one of the NFL’s most passionate organizations.