New orleans saint best player Alvin Kamara has just become the first defensive end in NFL history to have 7 straight seasons of his contract fully guaranteed: He’s agreed to a new 3 year deal with $30 million fully guaranteed and is staying

Alvin Kamara: New Orleans Saints’ Best Player Becomes First Defensive End in NFL History to Have 7 Straight Seasons of Fully Guaranteed Contract, Agrees to New 3-Year Deal Worth $30 Million

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, few achievements are as remarkable and prestigious as securing a fully guaranteed contract. In an era when player contracts are often laced with language that can void guaranteed money or result in a team-friendly deal for management, Alvin Kamara’s recent contract extension marks a major milestone in the history of the NFL. The New Orleans Saints’ star running back—who has established himself as one of the most dynamic and valuable players in the league—has just agreed to a new three-year deal worth $30 million, fully guaranteed. This contract extension not only solidifies Kamara’s future in New Orleans but also makes him the first defensive end in NFL history to have seven consecutive seasons with his contract fully guaranteed.

This historic deal reflects the growing recognition of Kamara’s impact on the field, his immense value to the Saints organization, and the respect he has earned for his consistency, versatility, and leadership. As one of the most exciting and explosive players in the NFL, Kamara’s ability to contribute in nearly every facet of the game has made him irreplaceable for the Saints. This new contract is a statement, both in terms of Kamara’s personal success and the larger shift in how the NFL’s financial landscape is evolving, especially for elite players who continue to defy conventional standards.

Alvin Kamara’s Legacy in New Orleans

Alvin Kamara was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, a pick that would go on to become one of the most crucial in the franchise’s history. Kamara’s impact was immediate, with his rookie season establishing him as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL. In fact, he won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, and his combination of speed, agility, and football IQ set the tone for what would become an extraordinary career.

Kamara’s ability to contribute both as a running back and a receiving threat from the backfield allowed the Saints’ offense to flourish. His versatility made him a nightmare for defenses, as he could line up in the backfield, run routes as a receiver, and even take snaps as a wildcat quarterback in critical situations. Over the years, Kamara has built a reputation for his elusive running style, which blends patience and power with explosive speed. His ability to break tackles, change direction on a dime, and accelerate with astonishing quickness has made him a cornerstone of the Saints’ offensive scheme.

In his first four seasons, Kamara consistently proved to be one of the most productive running backs in the NFL. He eclipsed the 1,500-yard total offense mark in each of his first two seasons and continued to deliver double-digit touchdowns annually. Kamara became the second player in NFL history to rush for 1,500 yards and record 80 or more receptions in a season. By 2020, Kamara had solidified himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league, and his record-breaking performance on Christmas Day against the Minnesota Vikings, where he scored six touchdowns, further amplified his stardom.

Kamara’s skill set goes beyond just running the football. His ability to create mismatches in the passing game, where he’s capable of lining up in the slot and running crisp routes, has kept opposing defenses guessing. His dual-threat nature as both a runner and receiver has made him a favorite target for quarterbacks like Drew Brees and, more recently, Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton. With each passing year, Kamara has proven to be a reliable offensive weapon in New Orleans, and his presence has been integral to the Saints’ success, both in the regular season and in playoff contention.

However, Kamara’s contributions aren’t limited to just the box score. His leadership, work ethic, and commitment to his teammates have been essential to building a winning culture within the Saints’ locker room. As one of the few remaining pillars of the Saints’ post-Drew Brees era, Kamara’s leadership has taken on even greater significance.

A Historic Contract: The Significance of Fully Guaranteed Money

The announcement that Alvin Kamara has agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal, fully guaranteed, marks an unprecedented achievement for the player and the league. For the first time in NFL history, a defensive end (a position that typically commands high salaries) has secured seven consecutive seasons with fully guaranteed contracts. This new deal comes on the heels of a trend in the NFL where player contracts, particularly for elite talents, are becoming more player-friendly.

In the past, NFL contracts have often been structured to favor the team, with large portions of the deal being contingent upon the player meeting certain performance benchmarks or staying healthy. With injuries being such a significant risk in football, teams have historically been wary of offering fully guaranteed contracts. However, players like Kamara, who consistently prove their worth on the field, are increasingly challenging this traditional structure.

This deal sets a precedent that could lead to more fully guaranteed contracts across the league in the future. By being the first defensive end in NFL history to secure this level of contract security, Kamara is positioning himself as a trailblazer for the next generation of players. His deal is indicative of the changing financial landscape in the NFL, where the market is evolving to better recognize the value of star players and ensure that they are compensated for their contributions in the way that they deserve.

The contract extension with Kamara is also significant for the New Orleans Saints. The team is in a period of transition, with head coach Sean Payton having departed in 2022 and the future of the quarterback position still uncertain. Amid this uncertainty, Kamara remains one of the most reliable and potent offensive weapons in the NFL, making it crucial for the Saints to lock up his services for the foreseeable future. This contract not only secures Kamara’s future with the team but also helps ensure that the Saints’ offense remains in good hands.

The Contract Details: A Deep Dive

Let’s break down the specifics of Kamara’s new contract:

• 3-Year Deal Worth $30 Million: The deal will pay Kamara $30 million over the next three seasons, making him one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.
• Fully Guaranteed Money: Perhaps the most notable aspect of the deal is the fact that it is fully guaranteed. Unlike traditional NFL contracts, which often have portions of the deal tied to performance or longevity, Kamara’s deal ensures that he will receive all of the $30 million, regardless of injury or performance. This level of security for a running back, who plays one of the most physically demanding positions in football, is incredibly rare and speaks to Kamara’s status as one of the best players in the league.
• Implications for the Saints: By locking Kamara up for the next three seasons, the Saints are committing to building around him for the short to medium term. The Saints will likely use Kamara as the focal point of their offense, leaning on his ability to both run the football and contribute in the passing game. The deal also signals the organization’s belief in Kamara’s long-term viability, despite his age (he will be 30 by the end of this contract), and his importance to the team’s success.

Kamara’s Impact on the Saints’ Future

With Kamara locked into a fully guaranteed deal for the next three years, the Saints can now focus on building the offense around him. As one of the most consistent and dynamic players in the league, Kamara is likely to remain the focal point of the Saints’ offense moving forward. While New Orleans has faced uncertainty at quarterback in recent years, Kamara’s presence in the backfield offers a stabilizing force, both in terms of on-field production and leadership.

For the Saints, the commitment to Kamara means that they will likely continue to structure their offense around his strengths. Whether it’s running the ball between the tackles or creating mismatches in the passing game, Kamara’s ability to contribute in multiple ways will remain crucial. His skill set also provides head coach Dennis Allen with the flexibility to create innovative offensive schemes that play to Kamara’s talents, allowing him to continue thriving within the Saints’ system.

Furthermore, securing Kamara for the next three years gives the Saints the flexibility to focus on other areas of need, such as quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line. While the future of the quarterback position in New Orleans remains uncertain, Kamara’s consistency as a playmaker will allow the team to remain competitive in the NFC South.

Alvin Kamara’s Legacy and the NFL’s Changing Financial Landscape

Kamara’s new contract is not just a personal victory for the player, but a signal of broader changes within the NFL’s financial structure. The concept of fully guaranteed contracts, especially for star players, has long been a point of contention between players and team owners. Kamara’s deal shows that the NFL may be moving toward a future where top-tier talent is recognized and compensated in a manner more consistent with their value to the team.

For Kamara, this deal solidifies his legacy as one of the most impactful players of his era. His ability to change the game with his versatility and playmaking has cemented his status as one of the NFL’s best running backs of the past decade. With his new contract, Kamara is not only securing his future but also reinforcing his place in NFL history.