BREAKING: 21-Year-Old Georgian RB Named Starter as Saints Star Alvin Kamara Suspended for Remainder of the 2025 Season
By NFL Insider | May 23, 2025
The New Orleans Saints have been rocked by shocking news that superstar running back Alvin Kamara has been suspended for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season,
with the ban reportedly extending into early next year. In a sudden and dramatic shift, the Saints announced that 21-year-old rookie running back Malik Giorgadze, a third-round draft pick out of the University of Georgia, will take over as the team’s new starter.
The announcement came early Thursday morning following a league statement confirming Kamara’s suspension due to a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
While the specifics of the violation remain under wraps pending further investigation, sources within the league say it stems from an off-field incident that had been under review for several weeks.
A Devastating Blow for New Orleans
Kamara’s suspension is a crushing setback for a Saints team that had high hopes entering the 2025 campaign.
The 29-year-old veteran has been the heart and soul of the Saints offense since his breakout rookie season in 2017. With over 10,000 all-purpose yards and 80 touchdowns, Kamara’s absence leaves a massive hole in the Saints’ offensive game plan.
“This is a tough day for our organization,” said Saints head coach Dennis Allen in a press conference. “We respect the league’s decision and will comply fully, but we also want to make it clear — our focus is on the future. And that future includes a very talented young man named Malik Giorgadze.”
Who is Malik Giorgadze?
Now thrust into the national spotlight, Malik Giorgadze, the 21-year-old Georgian phenom, is set to make his first NFL start in what many are calling a “baptism by fire.”
A former five-star recruit and standout at the University of Georgia, Giorgadze was known for his explosive runs, tough downhill style, and elite vision between the tackles.
At Georgia, he amassed over 1,600 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in his final season, earning First-Team All-SEC honors and leading the Bulldogs to a College Football Playoff appearance. He was drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, with many experts calling him one of the “steals of the draft.”
“I’ve been preparing for this moment my whole life,” Giorgadze said after Thursday’s practice. “I didn’t expect it to come this soon, but I’m ready to give everything I have to this team and this city.”
Giorgadze has reportedly impressed teammates and coaches alike with his maturity, work ethic, and willingness to learn from Kamara during offseason training camps. Now, he’ll be called upon to lead the backfield in the most competitive football league in the world.
Saints Rally Behind the Rookie
In the wake of Kamara’s suspension, team leaders have expressed support for Giorgadze and confidence in the rookie’s ability to step up.
“Malik’s the real deal,” said Saints quarterback Derek Carr. “He’s got that edge, that hunger — he wants to win, and he’s not afraid of the moment. We’ve all got his back.”
Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has already begun adjusting the playbook to better fit Giorgadze’s skill set, favoring a more power-run-focused scheme that capitalizes on the rookie’s physicality and breakaway speed.
“He’s not a carbon copy of Kamara — no one is,” Carmichael said. “But Malik brings his own strengths to the table. We’re excited to see what he can do.”
What’s Next for Kamara?
Alvin Kamara’s future with the Saints — and perhaps in the NFL — is now under serious scrutiny. The timing of the suspension is particularly notable, as Kamara recently made headlines for turning down a $205 million offer from the Dallas Cowboys, citing loyalty to New Orleans and a preference for “passion over fortune.”
Now, with his future clouded in uncertainty, some are questioning whether the Saints will stand by their longtime star. Kamara is under contract through 2026, but the team may opt to restructure or move on depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.
“We’re not going to speculate on Alvin’s future today,” said Saints GM Mickey Loomis. “We’re focused on the young men who are stepping up and doing things the right way.”
A New Era Begins
With Malik Giorgadze now leading the charge, the Saints are entering uncharted territory. The transition from a seasoned Pro Bowler to a rookie starter is never easy, but the team believes they have a special talent ready to rise to the challenge.
The Saints’ next matchup will be against the Atlanta Falcons — a division rival and a perfect stage for Giorgadze to make his mark.
As the 2025 season takes an unexpected turn, one thing is clear: a new chapter is beginning in New Orleans — and it’s being written by a determined 21-year-old running back with everything to prove.
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