The New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara missed their final mandatory minicamp practice due to the lack of progress with contract negotiations. The 28-year-old weapon has been their stable offensive piece for the past seven seasons and is coming off a career-low, but only played 13 games due to an off-field suspension in 2023.
The former third-rounder from 2017 came out of nowhere, winning offensive rookie of the year that season. He made his impact known as a do-it-all rusher and dynamic pass catcher out of the backfield. The veteran back is a two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, so if his holdout prolongs into the regular season, that will hurt the Saint’s outlook on offense for the 2024 season.
Will New Orleans pony up a new contract for one of the better running backs in the league?
Alvin Kamara Misses End of Mandatory Minicamp
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According to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, Alvin Kamara’s absence was confirmed to be contract-related through his agent. Head coach Dennis Allen said this to the media about Kamara, per Katherine Terrell of ESPN:
“He was here for the walk-through this morning and then we went in, and I haven’t had a chance to talk to him, so I’m not sure why he wasn’t out there.”
Kamara was also not present for OTAs, which is different from previous offseasons. He was back in the building for the first two practices for the mandatory minicamp before leaving after their walk-through on Thursday, June 13th.
New Orleans Saints Seem Unwillingly to Pay Alvin Kamara
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In September 2020, Alvin Kamara signed a five-year, $75 million deal that has two years left without any guaranteed money left in 2025. His cap number for 2024 is $18.55 million is the highest for New Orleans, as the Saints have him under a base salary of $22.4 million in 2025 that will likely not get paid out with two void seasons after that.
According to Spotrac, Kamara has the highest cap hit out of all NFL running backs and maintains the highest base salary per year, ranking fourth among his position in total cash and first in contract value. Statistically coming off his least productive season and holding out for a new contract doesn’t seem like the best plan of action.
A Few Players are Factors in Alvin Kamara’s Contract Disputes
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Alvin Kamara, on 180 carries, had 694 yards on the ground and five touchdowns, along with 75 catches for 466 yards and a receiving touchdown. He was a check-down option for Derek Carr, but the offense as a whole struggled. New Orleans has veteran Jamaal Williams on the roster and former third-round rookie Kendre Miller, whose season was cut short due to injuries in 2023.
Christian McCaffrey’s new contract could’ve triggered Kamara and resulted in his actions of holding out. The San Francisco 49ers star running back sets the market with his huge extension. Although the Saints running back has been the focal point for their offense, I am not sure if one the field he is more valuable than McCaffrey.
About the Author
Previously wrote for Fansided NFL Mocks, Pro Football Network, uInterview and uSports, The Crafty Kit, The Daily Culture, and Ironiq Media. Recent Journalism/ Media Studies Grad and wrote for Impact News, the award-winning news publication of Mercy College, now Mercy University.
Now writing for Total Apex, mostly sports like the NFL, college football, the NFL draft, and fantasy football, along with covering my favorite team, the Baltimore Ravens. Also writing for Total Apex E&G about my favorite movies, shows, anime, and sometimes gaming.
You can follow me on Instagram @kimandrew1357, on YouTube @andrewkim1357, and on Twitter (aka X) @kookykim1357.
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