Las Vegas, NV – In one of the most stunning contract moves of the NFL offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders have officially signed 4-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara to a 3-year, $450.4 million deal that locks him in through the 2028 season. The deal includes $40 million in guaranteed money and features a groundbreaking media partnership with ESPN, marking a new era of crossover athlete branding and NFL contract innovation.
The announcement, which was confirmed Tuesday morning, immediately sent shockwaves across the league. Kamara, previously a franchise icon with the New Orleans Saints, now becomes the highest-paid running back in NFL history, and one of the league’s most marketable faces thanks to the hybrid structure of his new deal.
RAIDERS GO ALL-IN ON STAR POWER
Raiders owner Mark Davis called the agreement a “historic investment in both performance and personality,” noting Kamara’s elite playmaking ability and off-field charisma as key reasons for the deal.
“Alvin is a game-changer on every level. On the field, he’s explosive and versatile. Off the field, he’s a leader, a brand, and now, a business partner,” Davis said. “We’re building something bigger than football in Las Vegas — we’re building a movement. Kamara fits that vision perfectly.”
KAMARA: A NEW ERA IN SILVER & BLACK
Kamara, 29, brings an elite résumé to the Raiders:
•4× Pro Bowl selection
•2020 Offensive Player of the Year finalist
•Over 9,000 career scrimmage yards
•One of just three RBs in history with at least 5 receiving TDs and 5 rushing TDs in four consecutive seasons
In a statement, Kamara thanked New Orleans for “seven incredible years” and expressed excitement about the next chapter:
“Las Vegas is where the future of football is happening — lights, energy, culture. I’m ready to go win games, inspire, and be part of something iconic. WHO DAT forever, but now it’s RAIDERNATION time.”
THE ESPN CONNECTION: A NEW MODEL FOR ATHLETE PARTNERSHIPS
Perhaps most groundbreaking is the ESPN media partnership included in the deal. Kamara will become a featured NFL analyst and lifestyle contributor on select ESPN platforms, including “Monday Night Countdown” and a new digital series focusing on athlete entrepreneurship and culture.
The move mirrors recent trends of athletes leveraging both performance contracts and media deals to expand their influence and income. Kamara’s deal is believed to be the first of its kind to formally integrate a major media brand as part of an NFL contract structure.
REACTION FROM AROUND THE NFL
The football world erupted in reaction to the news:
•Derek Carr, Kamara’s former QB in New Orleans: “Big bag. Big move. Proud of my guy.”
•Davante Adams, Raiders WR: “Let’s get to work, AK. Welcome to the jungle.”
•ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted: “Alvin Kamara’s deal with Raiders not just about money — it’s about evolution. This is the future of player-brand integration.”
With the Raiders’ commitment and Kamara’s star power, Las Vegas just became the epicenter of both football excellence and entertainment. The Silver and Black didn’t just sign a running back—they signed a movement.
WHO DAT no more. It’s #RaiderNation time.
