Alvin Kamara has spent more time on the sideline than he’d like this season, nursing knee and ankle injuries. But even while sidelined, the Saints’ veteran running back has kept a close eye on the team’s rookie quarterback, Tyler Shough - and he likes what he sees.
In a recent conversation with former teammate Terron Armstead, Kamara opened up about Shough’s development and the potential he sees in the young signal-caller. The praise wasn’t just surface-level; Kamara spoke with the kind of conviction that suggests he sees something real brewing in New Orleans.
“I see a player who's ready to take more responsibility,” Kamara said. “He has the intangibles where it helps him on the field. He's always looking to make something out of nothing.”
That last part - the ability to create when a play breaks down - is what separates the good from the great in today’s NFL. It’s not just about executing the playbook; it’s about improvising when things go sideways. Shough’s knack for extending plays and keeping his eyes downfield has caught the attention of teammates and coaches alike.
And Kamara’s not just talking about flash plays. He sees a foundation being laid - one that could shape the future of the Saints’ offense.
“You see a quarterback that makes you feel good about where you're going in your future,” Kamara added.
Now, calling a 26-year-old quarterback “inexperienced” might sound off at first glance. But context matters.
Shough logged just over 1,000 pass attempts in college - a modest number by today’s standards - and he’s already thrown the ball over 300 times this season with the Saints. That means he’s still learning the speed, complexity, and nuance of the pro game in real time.
And that’s the encouraging part. He’s not just surviving - he’s growing.
Each week brings more reps, more reads, more confidence. If he can close out the season on a high note and head into the offseason healthy and surrounded by upgraded talent - better protection up front, more reliable weapons on the outside - the Saints could have something real to build on heading into next year.
Of course, that raises the question: will Kamara be part of that future?
That’s still to be determined. He’s missed the last four and a half games due to injury, and while he’s under contract through 2026, the decision on whether he returns next season may ultimately rest with him. His deal includes $18.2 million in guaranteed money out of an $18.6 million cap hit, so financially, the Saints are committed - but health and fit will factor into the equation.
What’s clear is that Kamara sounds like a player who wants to be part of the next chapter. He’s talking like a leader, someone who sees the potential in a young quarterback and wants to help guide him through the next phase of his development.
The Saints may be in transition, but with Shough growing into the role and veterans like Kamara still invested, there’s reason to believe this team could turn the corner sooner rather than later. The final stretch of the season - and the decisions that follow - will be telling.