The Saints locked in Chris Olave on a massive new deal, while Alvin Kamara’s revised contract gives New Orleans a little more flexibility around its veteran back. Across the NFC, the Buccaneers are buzzing about a first-round edge rusher, the Falcons are publicly celebrating Bijan Robinson’s extension, and the Panthers are sorting through injuries and preseason plans.
Olave signed a four-year, $124 million contract extension with $90.013 million in guarantees. That total includes $74.62 million in new-money guarantees and $52.653 million fully guaranteed at signing, with the guaranteed money coming through a $35 million signing bonus, his 2026 and 2027 base salaries, and per-game roster bonuses.
The deal also has some important future triggers. Olave’s salary and per-game roster bonuses become fully guaranteed if he’s on the roster on the 3rd day of the 2028 league year, and another $13 million vests on the 3rd day of the 2029 league year.
There’s also a $3 million roster bonus due on the 5th day of the 2030 league year, plus annual per-game roster bonuses worth $1.36 million. The extension includes up to $8 million in performance and honors escalators and creates $5.84 million in 2026 salary cap space for New Orleans.
It also features a fourth-year salary exceeding $34 million.
Kamara’s new one-year, $6 million revised deal includes $3.5 million guaranteed. He can add $300,000 for 950 scrimmage yards, another $300,000 for 1,050 scrimmage yards, and $400,000 for 1,150 scrimmage yards.
If he reaches 1,600 scrimmage yards, he can pick up another $500,000. Kamara can also earn up to $1.5 million for each team playoff win in which he plays.
In Tampa Bay, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said the Buccaneers “can’t contain their excitement” for first-round OLB Rueben Bain Jr. At cornerback, Fowler reported that second-year CB Jacob Parrish is getting a long look to start outside with draft classmate Benjamin Morrison banged up again. Journeyman CB Damarion Williams is also getting first-team reps, while fourth-round CB Keionte Scott is positioned to handle the slot if Parrish moves outside.
Atlanta’s update centered on Bijan Robinson, with Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski saying of the running back’s contract extension: “Very excited for him, excited for us. … I think everyone knows how we feel about Bijan the player and the person.”
In Carolina, HC Dave Canales said Kenny Pickett will start the preseason game against the Cardinals, and no clear-cut starters will play, including first-round OT Monroe Freeling. Carolina EVP Brandt Tillis declined to discuss a potential extension for Bryce Young, saying the quarterback is still ascending with an “unknown ceiling.” Tillis also made it sound like nothing would happen before the season, saying, “We’ll see how the year plays out.”
Canales added that WR Xavier Legette has a stinger but was cleared for concussion. He also said TE Ja’Tavion Sanders has an ankle injury and will undergo testing.
In Other News...
Panthers Run-First Plan Faces A Backfield Problem Fans Cant Ignore
Carolinas offense is built around the ground game, so the state of the backfield matters more here than it might for a team leaning on the pass. Chuba Hubbard is the current lead back, while Jonathon Brooks sits behind him as a recovering option with real upside if he can get and stay right. For a Panthers team that wants to control games with the run, that setup leaves little margin for error.
The concern is that the depth chart does not yet feel like a settled answer, even though the scheme keeps pointing in that direction. Hubbard has been viewed as a limited presence among NFL backs, and Brooks still comes with major uncertainty after his injuries. If Carolina is going to make its run-first identity work, it needs more than a placeholder at the top and a hopeful bet waiting in reserve. [Read more 🡒]
Bryce Youngs Situation Just Changed In A Way Panthers Fans Will Feel
The Panthers have already made one notable adjustment on offense, shifting play-calling duties from Dave Canales to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, and Bryce Young has pointed to the continuity in the scheme as part of the transition. For a young quarterback still trying to settle into a stable rhythm, that kind of behind-the-scenes consistency can matter as much as any roster move, especially when the team is trying to keep the offense moving in the same direction.
Around the division, the quarterback picture is changing in ways Carolina will be watching closely. Falcons passer Michael Penix Jr. is expected to be cleared for 11-on-11 work by the end of August, while New Orleans has its own competition unfolding with Spencer Rattler focused on a backup role and a strong relationship with Tyler Shough and Zach Wilson. For the Panthers, the bigger question is whether this new setup helps Young turn continuity into production once the real games start. [Read more 🡒]
Luke Kuechlys Hall Of Fame Moment Says Everything About Panthers Fans
Luke Kuechlys long-awaited place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame says as much about the man as it does the player, and it has brought back the kind of respect he commanded throughout his Panthers career. Former teammates and coaches have been quick to praise his character, work ethic and the way he influenced people around him, which is no surprise for anyone who watched how he carried himself in Carolina.
Greg Olsens recollection from training camp offered a fitting reminder of that mindset, with Kuechly already worrying about whether the Hall of Fame news would interrupt team routines. It is a small detail, but one that fits perfectly with the image Panthers fans have held onto for years: a star who never seemed to put himself ahead of the group, even when the biggest individual honor in the sport was coming his way. [Read more 🡒]