The New Orleans Saints were on the verge of wrapping up the offseason without any significant issues. As they entered the third and final day of mandatory minicamp, the team appeared to be in a good place. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore had effectively addressed all the controversies surrounding him, leaving the Saints’ primary concerns focused on the health of a few injured players.
This sense of calm was disrupted when news broke that star running back Alvin Kamara was absent from the final practice, and his absence was linked to a contract dispute.
Alvin Kamara’s Contract Dispute Disrupts Saints’ Minicamp
Reports surfaced that Kamara was not present for the final minicamp session. Some journalists noted that while Kamara was at the facility earlier in the day, he left before practice commenced. Nick Underhill confirmed that Kamara participated in a walkthrough but departed afterward. NFL insider Ian Rapoport, after speaking with Kamara’s agent Brad Cicala, revealed that the running back’s departure was indeed due to a contract issue.
For several months, Kamara and the Saints have been negotiating his contract. Kamara’s current deal has two years remaining, with $10.7 million due this season and a hefty $25 million due in 2025. This effectively makes the 2024 season the final year of his contract since it is unlikely that New Orleans will pay him $25 million for one season.
This situation mirrors the structure of Michael Thomas’ contract. If the Saints hadn’t released Thomas, his contract would have cost them over $60 million in 2024. This was anticipated at the start of the 2023 season, making it clear that Thomas would become a free agent this offseason.
The ongoing discussions between Kamara and the Saints suggest a mutual desire to extend his tenure with the team, but not at the $25 million annual rate currently stipulated. The crux of the issue seems to be agreeing on a new annual salary and contract structure. Both parties have kept the negotiations private, so it’s unclear what specific terms Kamara is seeking or what the Saints are proposing. What is certain is that this matter needs to be settled before the commencement of training camp.
Kamara’s contract situation has officially become another problem for the Saints to address, adding to their list of offseason challenges.
