5-Time Pro Bowl Running Back Appears To Be Done At Just 30-Years-Old As Team’s Latest Signing Hints At Retirement
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
A star NFL running back could hang the cleats ahead of the 2026 NFL campaign. Following a 2025 season full of ups and downs, the New Orleans Saints will try to bounce back and try to dethrone the defending NFC South champions, the Carolina Panthers.
New Orleans began the new year league on a strong note, agreeing to a four-year, $52 million deal with veteran running back Travis Etienne Jr. Their running back room looks strong now, but this move could result in a major loss for the one-time Super Bowl champions.
Alvin Kamara has led the running game since he arrived in New Orleans in 2017. The 30-year-old isn’t as explosive as he used to be, and injuries have started to take a toll on his body. Still, when healthy, Kamara showed that he could contribute.
New Orleans Saints Could Lose Alvin Kamara In Shocking Turn of Events
Amid trade rumors during the 2025 season, Alvin Kamara made it clear he wouldn’t want to play for a different team in the league. Instead, he would retire. The Saints are keeping him on the roster, but Kamara could still retire since he won’t be the RB1 in 2026.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that Kamara could retire this offseason.
“Obviously, this really calls into question the status of Alvin Kamara, who re-did his contract,” Rapoport said.
“I think it’s fair to say some have wondered whether or not he would walk away from the game at its height and end up sipping a Mai Tai on the beach, I believe that’s the way he described it.”
Kamara played 11 games in 2025, carrying the ball 131 times for 471 yards and one touchdown. The Saints are building around Tyler Shough, and fresher legs like Etienne’s are a better fit. Kamara could still contribute, but on a decreased role, which doesn’t seem to appeal to him.
