Alvin Kamara, the New Orleans Saints' star running back, was a no-show at the final day of minicamp on Thursday, despite being on the premises earlier. His absence wasn't due to injury or personal issues but centered around contract frustrations.
The Issue: Money Talks
Kamara, who has two years left on his current contract, is essentially operating on what feels like a one-year deal. Although set to earn a base salary of $10.2 million this year, only $1 million of it is guaranteed. For 2025, none of his $22.4 million salary is guaranteed, creating uncertainty about his future with the team.
According to Kamara's agent, Brad Cicala, the reason for his minicamp exit is strictly "contract-related." This walk-out reflects ongoing negotiations between Kamara and the Saints, which have yet to bear fruit.
A No-Show at Practice
While Kamara participated in the walk-through, he didn't join his teammates for practice. Head coach Dennis Allen expressed confusion over Kamara's absence. "I haven’t had a chance to talk to him, so I’m not sure why he wasn’t out there," Allen told reporters, reiterating multiple times that he had no further information.
Fine Risks and Minicamp Attendance
By skipping Thursday's practice, Kamara risks a fine of $16,953. This follows his decision to sit out of the Saints' Organized Team Activities (OTAs) earlier this year, a pattern he’s maintained in recent offseasons. However, he did participate in the first two practices of this mandatory minicamp before his departure.
Kamara defended his stance, telling reporters earlier in the week, "It’s not like I’m just not in the building and nothing is happening. I talk to these dudes and some of my teammates. I talk to some of the coaches." He dismissed the contract issues as "a weird little narrative."
The Bigger Picture
Kamara’s contract, signed a few years ago, included a hefty $25 million final year to bump up the average value, but this was always seen as a “fake” year, unlikely to be paid. Now, with the contract nearing its final, non-guaranteed stages, the Saints and Kamara are struggling to agree on an extension.
Kamara and Christian McCaffrey were drafted in the same year and have had similar impacts early in their careers. However, McCaffrey has maintained high performance levels, even winning the league's Offensive Player of the Year award in 2023. In contrast, Kamara's stats have dipped over the last few seasons, making his current financial demands a tough sell for the Saints.
What’s Next?
As contract talks remain at a standstill, Kamara’s situation highlights the tricky nature of NFL contracts with "phony" final years that inflate average annual values without intending full payment. Both Kamara and the Saints are at a crossroads, and how they navigate these negotiations will shape Kamara's future with the team.
For now, fans and the team await a resolution that keeps one of the league's most dynamic running backs happy and on the field.
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