NFL Rumors: Saints' Alvin Kamara 'in Line for a Huge' Contract in 2025 Free Agency

Alvin Kamara is off to an excellent start in the 2024 season, which is ideal for the New Orleans Saints and the running back's future contract prospects.

"My understanding is if he keeps playing like this, that contract is going to take care of itself," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday. "He is putting himself in line for a huge payday in 2025."

Under his current deal, Kamara is set to make $22.4 million in base salary during the 2025 campaign and then become a free agent the following offseason. However, there is a prevailing notion the 2024 season will be the final one of that deal.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explained Kamara is "on track to be released after the season" regardless of how well he plays.

"The problem comes from the $25 million compensation package he's due to earn next year," Florio wrote. "That was never a real number; the goal was to pump his new-money APY to $15 million. And it worked, the same as the fake final year in Tyreek Hill's original Dolphins deal, which pushed the APY to $30 million."

Kamara made it clear this offseason he wanted a new contract and even left the Saints' final minicamp practice because of the contract dispute.

New Orleans may have missed the window to come to terms on a new deal, as the running back told reporters earlier this month it's "too late for contract talk. … I'm kind of at the point where I'm not even talking about it until after the season."

Perhaps motivated by the entire situation, the 29-year-old has been excellent to start the 2024 season. He ran for 83 yards and a touchdown in the opening win over the Carolina Panthers and then exploded for 115 rushing yards, 65 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the Week 2 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

It was the type of versatile performance that has made Kamara one of the best running backs of his generation with five Pro Bowl selections and an Offensive Rookie of the Year on his resume.

The 2023 season was somewhat disappointing for him, as he was limited to 13 games and ran for 694 yards. But he looks like the peak version of himself in 2024 and could be paid accordingly next offseason.

Even if it isn't the Saints paying him.