Kamara Rejects $205 Million Offer From Dallas Cowboys, Pledges Loyalty to New Orleans Saints
“I prefer passion over fortune. I don’t have plans of leaving New Orleans.” — Alvin Kamara
New Orleans, LA — May 20, 2025
In an era where professional athletes often chase the biggest contracts and endorsement deals, New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara has taken a dramatically different stance—one that is shaking the NFL world to its core.
In a stunning revelation this morning, Kamara publicly turned down a jaw-dropping $205 million offer from the Dallas Cowboys, choosing instead to remain with the team that drafted him and the city he calls home.
This decision comes as a shock not only to Saints fans but to the broader NFL community, especially considering that the offer from Dallas would have made Kamara the highest-paid running back in league history, and by a wide margin.
“I prefer passion over fortune,” Kamara said during a press conference held at the Saints’ training facility in Metairie. “I don’t have plans of leaving New Orleans. This city, these fans, this organization—they believed in me from the beginning, and I’m not going to turn my back on that.”
A Record-Breaking Offer Rejected
The Dallas Cowboys’ offer—reported to be a five-year deal totaling $205 million with $125 million guaranteed—was not just lucrative, it was historic. The deal would have nearly doubled the next-highest running back contract in the league, which belongs to San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey.
NFL insiders say the Cowboys were aggressively pursuing Kamara to bolster their offense, which has struggled to maintain consistency in recent seasons. Team owner Jerry Jones had personally reached out to Kamara’s representatives, hoping to seal the deal with a blend of financial incentives, marketing opportunities, and a vision for Super Bowl contention.
But none of it was enough to sway Kamara.
“Money is great. Security is important. But at the end of the day, I play for something bigger,” Kamara said. “I play for love of the game, love of my teammates, and love of this city. New Orleans has given me everything. Why would I leave that behind?”
A Rare Display of Loyalty
In today’s NFL, player movement is common. Loyalty is often overshadowed by business interests, agents’ strategies, and team decisions driven by salary cap calculations. Kamara’s decision is a throwback to a different time—one where players stayed with their teams for the long haul, becoming symbols of their franchises.
Saints head coach Dennis Allen praised Kamara’s commitment, calling it “a reminder of what the NFL used to be—and can still be.”
“We’re lucky to have Alvin,” Allen said. “He’s not just a great player; he’s the heart of this locker room. His choice to stay, even when offered the biggest contract ever, speaks volumes about his character.”
Kamara’s Roots in New Orleans
Drafted by the Saints in 2017, Kamara quickly rose to stardom. Known for his electric running style, receiving prowess, and unmatched balance, he became a focal point of the team’s offense and a fan favorite. But Kamara’s impact goes far beyond the field.
From organizing charity events to launching programs for underserved youth, Kamara has embedded himself deeply into the New Orleans community. His recent collaboration with local schools to promote mental health awareness and youth mentorship has received national recognition.
“New Orleans isn’t just where I play football,” Kamara said. “It’s where I’ve grown into the man I am. It’s where I’ve built friendships, helped causes I care about, and connected with people who remind me every day why I do this.”
Cowboys Left Stunned
Sources close to the Cowboys front office say the team is “disappointed but respectful” of Kamara’s decision. Jerry Jones released a brief statement acknowledging the failed pursuit:
“We presented Alvin with a record-breaking offer because we believe in his talent and character. While we’re disappointed he won’t be joining the Cowboys, we respect his loyalty and wish him continued success in New Orleans.”
The Cowboys will now have to regroup and turn their attention to other potential backfield options. Still, some analysts say missing out on Kamara could be a major setback for a team aiming to end a decades-long Super Bowl drought.
NFL World Reacts
The response across the league has been swift and passionate. Former players, analysts, and fans took to social media to weigh in on Kamara’s decision.
Deion Sanders, Hall of Fame cornerback and former Cowboys star, tweeted:
“Much respect to Alvin Kamara. Loyalty like that is rare in this business. Big salute, young king.”
JJ Watt wrote:
“In a world of business decisions, Kamara just made a heart decision. That’s leadership. That’s legacy.”
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, never one to stay silent, said on First Take:
“We just witnessed something special. This ain’t about dollars, it’s about dignity. Kamara just told the world: ‘You can’t buy my soul.’”
What This Means for the Saints
Kamara’s decision injects new energy into the Saints franchise, which is already undergoing a youth-driven rebuild around quarterback Spencer Rattler and a revamped offensive line. With Kamara staying put, the team retains its offensive cornerstone and a locker room leader.
General Manager Mickey Loomis expressed gratitude and optimism:
“This is bigger than football. It’s about identity. Alvin embodies what we want this team to stand for: grit, heart, and loyalty. We’re thrilled to keep building with him at the center.”
Saints fans, many of whom were bracing for the possibility of a departure, have been celebrating on social media and in the streets of the French Quarter.
The Bigger Picture
Kamara’s choice could ripple beyond New Orleans. In a league increasingly dominated by player movement and headline-grabbing contracts, his decision might inspire a return to values like team loyalty, community connection, and playing for something more than money.
In his final comments at the press conference, Kamara summed it up best:
“There’s nothing wrong with chasing money—we all want to be paid what we’re worth. But when you find a place that makes you feel whole, that believes in you, that gives you purpose—you don’t walk away from that. I’m not finished in New Orleans. Not by a long shot.”
Final Thoughts
Alvin Kamara’s rejection of $205 million may go down as one of the most impactful “non-signings” in NFL history. It’s a reminder that, while money talks, it doesn’t always speak louder than heart.
For the city of New Orleans, it’s not just a football win—it’s a cultural victory. And for Kamara, it’s a legacy-defining moment, one that cements his place not just in the Saints’ record books, but in the soul of a city that bleeds black and gold..
