One of the New Orleans Saints’ core players is here to stay long-term.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Saints have signed superstar running back Alvin Kamara to a massive five-year contract worth $75 million. The deal includes a $15 million signing bonus.

Kamara’s new deal was announced shortly after the Minnesota Vikings extended Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook for $63 million over five years. As it turns out, the market for top-tier NFL running backs remains extremely high.

For a short period, Kamara’s name was mentioned in the trade rumor mill amid reports that he was holding out. But the Saints found a way to retain their game-changing superstar, who’s now under contract for the next six years.

Kamara is one of the league’s top workhorse running backs, having recorded over 700 rushing yards and more than 500 receiving yards in each of his first three NFL seasons, earning three straight Pro bowl selections.

The 25-year-old also won the 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year award after rushing for 728 yards and eight touchdowns to go along with 81 receptions for 826 yards and five touchdowns. Kamara has recorded exactly 81 catches in each of the last three years.

As ESPN’s Field Yates pointed out, several running backs from the 2017 draft class have emerged as highly-paid stars.

After missing the playoffs every year from 2014 to 2016, the Saints have rebounded with three straight NFC South division titles, thanks in large part to Kamara’s contributions. No team has won more regular season games over the past three years than Sean Payton and company (37).

Kamara, quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Michael Thomas have formed one of the most exciting and dynamic offensive trios in NFL history.

The only thing missing is a Super Bowl championship, but all of the pieces are in place for this team to make another run in 2020.

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