Alvin Kamara Sends Honest Admission to Saints Amid Contract Talks

The New Orleans Saints have been in contract negotiations with Alvin Kamara all offseason long. Rumors were floating around suggesting the star running back would sit out of training camp until a deal was done. However, Kamara showed up on the first day of training camp and sent a message to the front office.

First, Kamara fielded questions from reporters about showing up to training camp despite being in a contract dispute with the Saints. The star running back claimed he showed up for the money and that he "ain't gonna give the money up." Alvin Kamara is much more about the team though while he seeks a new deal.

"I ain't stupid. I ain't gonna give the money up. I'm trying to get some money... I was gonna be here."

Although Kamara showed up to training camp to avoid being fined, he did leave practice early. That was Alvin Kamara's way of sending a message to the front office, per Saints' sideline reporter, Jeff Nowak. Additionally, the star running back makes it clear that he wants an extension done as he wants to retire with the Saints.

"I've said it before, I want to be a Saint. You know what I'm saying? If I gotta play football somewhere else, I'd probably be somewhere with my feet kicked up in Africa somewhere."

So, based on Kamara's comments, it's play for the Saints or call it a career. It'll be interesting to see what New Orleans does though, as the franchise is notoriously known for adding void years to contracts to keep the salary cap under the bar.

Alvin Kamara still has two years remaining on his five-year $75 million contract. However, the guaranteed money is much lower than it was in previous years. So, the star running back is likely seeking a new deal that will give him more guaranteed money.

We'll see how it plays out in New Orleans though. Running backs have lost value in terms on contract negotiations in the NFL in recent years. Also, considering Kamara is a seasoned veteran, the Saints could be leaning away from giving the star running back what he wants. But only time will tell how it plays out.

Last season, Alvin Kamara missed several games due to a suspension. But he looked as good as ever once he hit the field. Kamara finished the 2023 season with 694 receiving yards, 466 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns through 13 games. He's set to be the starter but if a holdout does happen, there's a chance second-year running back Kendre Miller to receive a bigger role.

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