Due to the impasse in contract negotiations, star running back Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints was unable to attend their last required minicamp practice. The 28-year-old weapon, who is coming off a career-low, has been their reliable offensive weapon for the past seven seasons. However, in 2023, he only played 13 games because of an off-field suspension.
The former third-round pick from 2017 surprised everyone by taking home the offensive rookie of the year award that campaign. Being a versatile rusher and explosive pass catcher out of the backfield, he made his mark. The veteran running back is a five-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro, so if his holdout continues into the regular season, it will negatively impact the Saints’ offensive prospects for 2024.
Will one of the league’s best running backs receive a new contract offer from New Orleans?
Alvin Kamara skips the required minicamp’s conclusion.
Alvin Kamara’s agent confirmed to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport that the reason for his absence was due to a contract dispute. According to Katherine Terrell of ESPN, head coach Dennis Allen stated the following about Kamara to the media:
“I’m not sure why he wasn’t out there; he was here for the walk-through this morning, and then we went in. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him.”
Moreover, Kamara missed the OTAs, which is not like past offseasons. On Thursday, June 13, after their walk-through, he was back in the building for the first two practices of the required minicamp.
Seemingly Unwilling to Pay Alvin Kamara, the New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara signed a five-year, $75 million contract in September 2020. Of that amount, two years remain, and there is no guarantee that any money will remain in 2025. Because the Saints have him under a base salary of $22.4 million in 2025, which will probably not be paid out with two void seasons after that, his cap number for 2024 is $18.55 million, the highest for New Orleans.
Spotrac reports that Kamara ranks first in contract value and fourth in total cash among all NFL running backs. He also has the highest cap hit of any running back and the highest base salary annually. It doesn’t seem like the best course of action to wait for a new contract after statistically having his least productive season.
Alvin Kamara’s contract disputes are influenced by a select few players.
Alvin Kamara gained 694 yards and five touchdowns on the ground in 180 carries. He also had 75 receptions for 466 yards and a receiving touchdown. Derek Carr could use him as a check-down option, but the offense was not very successful overall. In addition to former third-round rookie Kendre Miller, whose season was cut short by injuries in 2023, New Orleans boasts veteran Jamaal Williams on their roster.
The news of Christian McCaffrey’s new contract might have set Kamara off, leading him to decide to hold out. With his massive extension, the star running back for the San Francisco 49ers sets the market. Despite being the center of attention for the Saints offense, I’m not sure if the running back is more valuable than McCaffrey on the field.
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