Christian McCaffrey just landed a massive contract extension from the Carolina Panthers, which likely has some other top-tier running backs around the NFL, wondering when their payday will come. Take New Orleans Saints halfback Alvin Kamara, for example.
Kamara is entering his fourth season, which means he is on track to hit free agency next offseason if he doesn't sign an extension with the Saints.
So, is New Orleans talking with Kamara about a long-term deal, and how much will McCaffrey's contract affect discussions?
“I haven’t really thought about that yet,” said Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, according to Doug Mouton of WWL-TV.
Well, it may be time to start thinking about it soon, because the clock is ticking on Kamara eventually hitting the open market.
Kamara is coming off of a 2019 campaign in which he played 14 games and rushed for 797 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry. In addition, he hauled in 81 receptions for 533 yards and a score.
Not exactly McCaffrey numbers, but there is no doubt that Kamara fills a similar niche and is very valuable as a result.
The 24-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Tennessee, was originally selected by New Orleans in the third round (67th pick overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.
He had an impressive rookie year, racking up 728 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground while logging a hefty 6.1 yards per attempt. He also caught 81 passes for 826 yards and five scores.
Kamara then showed marked improvement in 2018, finishing with 883 yards and 14 touchdowns as a rusher, recording 4.6 yards per tote. On top of that, he snared 81 balls for 709 yards while reaching the end zone four times.
The Georgia native has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons.
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