With a $24.5 million extension, the Saints take a chance on Alvin Kamara’s future while trade rumors float around Austin Ekeler.

On October 22, 2024, the New Orleans Saints agreed to a two-year, $24.5 million extension with running back Alvin Kamara through the 2026 season . The deal includes $22.23 million in guarantees and a $15.5 million signing bonus, according to Kamara’s agent, Brad Cicala . At age 29 at the time of signing, Kamara has been one of the league’s most versatile offensive weapons since his 2017 debut . However, durability concerns loom, as Kamara turns 30 in February 2025 and has not played a full NFL season since his rookie year . Meanwhile, trade rumors swirl around Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler, who could become trade bait during the 2025 NFL Draft while the Saints eye Ekeler as an $8 million insurance policy for Kamara’s health risks .

The Alvin Kamara Extension: Securing a Star

Contract Details and Guarantees

The Saints and Kamara finalized a two-year, $24.5 million contract extension on October 22, 2024 . This agreement locks Kamara under contract through the end of the 2026 season and ensures his presence in New Orleans during the prime of his career . Notably, $22.23 million of the total is fully guaranteed, and Kamara received a $15.5 million signing bonus as part of the deal .

Prior to the extension, Kamara carried a $18.55 million cap hit in 2024 and had zero guaranteed money remaining for the 2025 season, making his status a significant salary-cap concern for the organization . Reports indicated that Kamara even skipped the Saints’ final minicamp practice in June 2024 to press for more security in his contract . The new extension addressed these issues by injecting much-needed guaranteed money and smoothing over offseason tensions.

Performance and Career Context

Since entering the league in 2017, Kamara has compiled multiple Pro Bowl selections and consistently ranked among the top pass-catching backs in football . In the 2024 season up to the extension, he tallied 438 rushing yards with six touchdowns on the ground and added 34 receptions for 252 yards and a touchdown through the air . Kamara’s dual-threat capability—combining efficient rushing with elite pass-catching—made him one of the most valuable backs in the league.

Team Context and Surrounding Moves

The Saints’ decision to extend Kamara occurred alongside other key offseason maneuvers. New Orleans bolstered its receiving corps by signing veteran wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling, aiming to provide quarterback Derek Carr with more explosive options . Additionally, the organization restructured other contracts, such as that of Taysom Hill, to better manage the 2024 cap landscape . The Kamara deal thus capped a busy period of roster restructuring focused on maximizing offensive firepower while maintaining cap flexibility.

 Betting on Kamara’s Future Amid Durability Concerns

Age and Injury History

Despite his on-field production, Kamara’s durability has been a concern. He has not completed a full 17‑game season since his rookie year, missing time due to various injuries in four consecutive campaigns . Turning 30 in early 2025 places him at the traditional decline threshold for NFL running backs, intensifying questions about his long-term viability .

Organizational Belief and Risk Management

By investing $22.23 million in guarantees, the Saints signaled their belief that Kamara can overcome his injury history and continue to be a focal point of their offense . Kamara himself expressed a desire to finish his career in New Orleans, reiterating loyalty to the franchise and its fan base . This extension also serves as a recruiting tool, potentially attracting free agents who see stability and commitment at the skill‑position level.

Depth Chart and Contingency Plans

New Orleans enters the 2025 campaign with limited proven depth behind Kamara. Third‑year back Kendre Miller produced 39 carries for 148 yards and one touchdown in 2024 but missed time due to a concussion, raising questions about his ability to shoulder an expanded role . Meanwhile, Jordan Mims contributed just one rushing attempt for three yards across 11 games, underscoring the need for an experienced contingency plan . The extension of Kamara, therefore, is as much about securing a cornerstone player as it is about forcing the front office to actively seek reliable complementary options.

Austin Ekeler: Trade Rumors and a Potential Backup Plan

Ekeler’s Current Situation

After seven productive seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Austin Ekeler signed a two‑year, $11.43 million deal with the Washington Commanders in March 2024 . In the 2024 season, Ekeler’s role diminished behind Brian Robinson Jr., resulting in career lows with 367 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while adding 35 receptions for 366 yards . As Ekeler turns 30 in May 2025 and his contract approaches its final year with an $8.4 million cap hit, his spot on the roster has become less certain .

Trade Rumors Heat Up

Multiple analysts believe Ekeler could be on the move during or after the 2025 NFL Draft as Washington seeks to reconfigure its backfield . Sterling Xie of Pro Football Network suggested the Commanders might trade Ekeler if they draft a running back early, pointing to potential suitors like his former team, the Chargers, or as a complementary back with the Saints . Another SI report highlighted Ekeler’s reduced touches in 2024 (9.3 per game) but praised his efficiency (10.5 yards per reception), deeming him an intriguing target for teams seeking a pass-catching backfield weapon .

Saints’ Interest as an Insurance Policy

With Kamara’s health concerns front and center, the Saints have been linked to Ekeler by several outlets. Sporting News detailed a “Commanders‑Saints trade pitch” that would see New Orleans acquire Ekeler as an $8 million insurance policy, noting that Ekeler’s former head coach, Brandon Staley, now works on the Saints’ staff—a potential catalyst for the move . SI reinforced this possibility, indicating that Ekeler’s contract and play style would make him a cost‑effective complement to Kamara, with a trade likely costing only a late‑round pick swap . A local report further argued that health red flags surrounding Kamara have spurred internal discussions about targeting Ekeler to ensure backfield stability .

 Strategic Implications for New Orleans and Washington

For the Saints

• Risk Mitigation: Adding Ekeler would protect against Kamara missing time, allowing the offense to sustain its style of play without a drop in efficiency.
• Cap Considerations: Ekeler’s contract cap hit of $8.4 million in 2025 is palatable compared to the potential cost of signing a free agent or relying solely on inexperienced backs.
• Draft Flexibility: Trading for Ekeler could free New Orleans to target other positional needs early in the 2025 Draft, knowing the backfield is fortified.

For the Commanders

• Cap Savings and Youth Movement: Trading Ekeler would free cap space and create opportunity to draft and develop younger running backs in 2025.
• Roster Balance: Washington would need to ensure it still retains enough veteran experience—players like Brian Robinson Jr. and Jeremy McNichols—while retooling the position.
• Draft Strategy: The Commanders could more confidently select high‑ceiling backs early in the draft, knowing Ekeler’s departure opens both roster and financial room.

Conclusion: Balancing Loyalty and Pragmatism

The Saints’ decision to invest $24.5 million in Alvin Kamara underscores their commitment to fielding a dynamic offense built around his unparalleled versatility . Yet, Kamara’s advancing age and injury record necessitate a prudent contingency plan. Trade rumors surrounding Austin Ekeler present New Orleans with an opportunity to secure a proven, pass‑catching back at reasonable cost—potentially transforming a calculated risk into a comprehensive backfield model. Meanwhile, the Commanders face their own crossroads, balancing veteran service and cap constraints against the need to infuse youth into the position. As April’s draft approaches, both franchises will determine whether loyalty or pragmatism dictates the final chapter of this interwoven saga.