Alvin Kamara just got his new contract with the Saints on Wednesday. But that doesn’t mean he’s satisfied. Not even close.
According to former teammate Terron Armstead, who played next to Kamara in New Orleans for years, the star running back is carrying a serious chip on his shoulder heading into the 2026 season. Armstead went on his podcast and dropped a pretty direct quote about Kamara’s mindset.
“AK is hungry. He’s pissed off. I just talked to him. He’s pissed off at the last couple of years and how the narrative has started to change that he can’t do this, he can’t do that. He hates that,” Armstead said. “Because he has only done elite and exceptional work throughout his entire career. … Alvin Kamara still has a lot of production left in those legs.”
That’s an interesting take considering Kamara’s 2025 numbers. He led the Saints in rushing but only managed 471 yards in 11 games. For a guy who’s been one of the most dynamic backs in the league since he came in, that’s a rough season. It was actually the first time in his career he didn’t clear 1,000 yards from scrimmage. He’s never hit 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, but he’s been a 900-plus-yard rusher twice.
The narrative shift Armstead is talking about makes sense. When you’re getting paid like a top-tier running back and the production dips, people start asking questions. Are the legs gone? Is the burst still there? Can he carry a backfield by himself? Kamara apparently hears all of it and isn’t letting it slide.
What the contract means for Kamara’s future
The new deal essentially puts to bed any chatter about Kamara being elsewhere in 2026. He’s locked in with New Orleans, and the Saints are betting he’s got another high-level stretch in him. That’s a bet they’re comfortable making based on his track record — five straight Pro Bowl selections to start his career, Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017, and a history of being a nightmare for defenses in the passing game.
But the Saints also need him to be healthy. Kamara has missed time in each of the last two seasons with various injuries. The 2025 season was the worst of it, and the offense clearly missed his juice. When Kamara’s right, he changes how defenses have to scheme. When he’s not, the whole thing gets clunky.
The motivation factor
Here’s the thing about competitive players hearing people say they’re washed. Sometimes they prove everyone wrong. Sometimes they don’t. Kamara has the benefit of a coach in Dennis Allen who wants to run the ball, and the Saints offensive line should be improved. If he’s truly pissed off about the narrative? That could be good news for New Orleans.
Armstead seems to think so. And he’s not exactly a casual observer. He’s very much still plugged into what’s happening with that franchise.
The only thing left for Kamara now is to get on the field and make the talk sound silly in hindsight. That’s probably exactly what he wants to do.
Leave a Comment