Skipping training camp? Out of the question for Alvin Kamara.
Jordan Love, Ceedee Lamb, Haason Reddick, Trent Williams, Brandon Aiyuk… Many players are going on strike as training camps begin. This will not be the case for Alvin Kamara (HB, Saints). In the midst of contract negotiations, the running back showed up well for the start of the New Orleans camp. A bit of a surprise when you consider that the player had left offseason activities in a hurry, while negotiations around his contract were not progressing. Kamara, however, has his explanation.
“I'm not stupid. I'm not going to give up money.”
By being present for the start of training camp, the player avoids a daily fine of $50,000. Kamara also believes that it would not be fair to his teammates and coaches not to participate in training.
“I’m trying to get money, right? I had to be here. I wouldn’t blame the coaches for what’s going on right now with the contract issues. It’s happening all over the league. It’s happened here. It’s happened everywhere. People are trying to get contracts, get paid. I’d be an idiot to upset my teammates because of a disagreement I have with management. I wouldn’t even call it a disagreement. We’re just having conversations about compensation. I’m not that kind of guy. I’m for the team. So I’m here, I’m doing what I have to do. I’m working.”
The running back participated in the entirety of the Saints' first practice Wednesday, including 11-on-11 drills. He said he has no plans to report to camp without participating in practice, like 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Kamara, a Saint for life?
Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2017 Draft by the Saints, Alvin Kamara has never changed his tune in 7 seasons in the NFL. With his complete and physical style of play, he quickly established himself as an essential element of the New Orleans attack. In 7 years in Louisiana, he surpassed the 10,000 cumulative yards mark, punctuated by 77 touchdowns. Celebrating his 29th birthday this Thursday, Kamara should earn 10.2 million this season, of which only 1 million is guaranteed. In 2025, his base salary is $22.4 million, but without any guarantee. It is likely that he will never see this sum. The challenge for the player and his representatives is therefore to obtain a contract restructuring, as was the case in 2022 and 2023.
Amidst all these negotiations, Kamara reiterated that his goal was to finish his career here.
“I've said it before: I want to be a Saint. I want to retire here. If I have to play football somewhere else, it will probably be somewhere with my feet in Africa, something like that.”
