NFL: New Orleans Saints make Alvin Kamara highest-paid defensive player with $67.5m extension
BREAKING NEWS: New Orleans Saints Make Alvin Kamara Highest-Paid Defensive Player with $67.5M Extension
In a bizarre and unexpected twist, the New Orleans Saints have reportedly made star running back Alvin Kamara the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history with a $67.5 million contract extension—despite Kamara being an offensive weapon his entire career.
The shocking development, which set social media ablaze Tuesday morning, has left fans, analysts, and even players scratching their heads. According to reports, the Saints listed Kamara as a “defensive player” in the structure of the new deal, though no official position switch has been announced.
“We’re just as confused as everyone else,” said one NFL executive. “Kamara’s been one of the best running backs in football for years. This might be a clerical error—or something totally unprecedented.”
A Contract Like No Other
Kamara’s new four-year, $67.5 million extension reportedly includes $45 million guaranteed and a $25 million signing bonus, making it the richest deal ever awarded to a player labeled as a defender. By comparison, NFL stars like Nick Bosa, Aaron Donald, and Micah Parsons are paid similarly—but they actually play defense.
The Saints have not clarified whether Kamara will transition into a hybrid role or if the defensive label was strategic for salary cap or contractual purposes.
“I’m just here to play football,” Kamara said with a smile when asked about the deal during a brief press appearance. “Call me whatever you want—as long as the check clears.”
A Star on the Field—No Matter the Label
Alvin Kamara, 29, has been one of the NFL’s most dynamic offensive players since entering the league in 2017. A five-time Pro Bowler and former Offensive Rookie of the Year, Kamara has totaled over 9,000 all-purpose yards and 73 career touchdowns across rushing, receiving, and returns.
Despite facing some ups and downs in recent seasons, Kamara remains the heart of the Saints’ offense and a fan favorite in New Orleans. The extension is a clear sign that the team values his presence and leadership as they attempt to rebuild after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
“Alvin Kamara has been the face of our franchise,” said Saints GM Mickey Loomis. “Whether he’s in the backfield or… well, somewhere else—we believe in him.”
Confusion Across the League
The unusual designation has led to a flurry of theories from media and fans:
- Accounting loophole? Some believe the Saints may be manipulating contract language to benefit from defensive player bonus structures.
- Position switch? Could Kamara be planning a move to safety or cornerback? Highly unlikely, but not impossible.
- Clerical error? The simplest explanation—someone in accounting might have misclicked a drop-down menu.
Whatever the reason, the NFL has yet to comment, and Kamara remains officially listed as a running back on the Saints’ depth chart.
“Unless he lines up at linebacker next week, I think we can chalk this up to the Saints being the Saints,” joked NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Fans React
As expected, the internet had a field day:
- “Alvin Kamara: lockdown corner confirmed.” – @NOLA_Nation
- “Kamara getting a defensive bag while running routes? Genius level move.” – @GridironLaughs
- “He’s guarding the end zone from the other team… and from poverty.” – @WhoDatWizard
What This Means Going Forward
Barring further clarification, it’s likely Kamara will remain in his usual offensive role—lining up in the backfield, catching passes out wide, and serving as a red-zone nightmare for defenses. The “defensive” label appears symbolic or procedural at best.
Still, this situation raises larger questions about how NFL contracts are labeled, categorized, and managed under the salary cap. It’s possible the Saints have found a clever workaround—or it’s a one-time quirk that will be quietly corrected.
Regardless, Kamara gets paid, and the Saints keep their star in the building for the foreseeable future.
Final Word
Whether a prank, a glitch, or financial wizardry, the Saints have managed to once again dominate NFL headlines—and Alvin Kamara walks away as the highest-paid “defensive” player in the league.
“Hey,” Kamara joked on Instagram, “I might not be covering receivers, but I’ve been carrying the defense for years anyway.”
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