NFL insider: Alvin Kamara might not show up to Saints' training camp amid contract dispute

Alvin Kamara reportedly wants a reworked contract with the New Orleans Saints, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

After Christian McCaffrey reset the running back market, Kamara could be in line for a different deal. However, there’s not much traction between the former Tennessee star and the Saints.

This could lead to a training camp holdout.

“Alvin Kamara, who’s got two years left on his contract, he wants a reworked deal,” Fowler said on SportsCenter. “The problem is in 2025 he’s due $25 million of non-guaranteed money. That’s not tenable for either party. So Kamara would be open to a reworked two year deal with some stronger guarantees. Christian McCaffrey got something done with the 49ers recently, so that maybe resets the market for the running back position a little bit for Kamara. 

“So not really much traction here between the two sides. They’re going to try to work something out. But you know, he didn’t show up for the last day of minicamp, maybe he doesn’t show up for the first day of training camp.”

Kamara left practice earlier this month amid his contract dispute, sending a message to the team.

Alvin Kamara’s agent Brad Cicala confirmed to NFL insider Ian Rapoport that the running back’s departure from practice was contract-related. His deal pays him $10.7 million for this season, however, his cap hit for 2025 is $25 million. Knowing the Saints likely won’t pay him the ballooned salary for the 2025 season, Kamara is seeking an adjustment to his deal.

In seven seasons with New Orleans, Kamara has racked up 5,829 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns. He also has 4,219 receiving yards and 23 touchdown catches. The Saints drafted him in the third round in 2017 out of Tennessee. In 2023, he posted 180 carries, 694 rushing yards and five touchdowns with 75 receptions, 466 receiving yards and one more score in 13 games.

Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak offered comments on the star running back after practice on Thursday.

“I have talked to him, he’s been great,” Kubiak said. “I talked to him on the phone even when he was gone. We’ve been in constant communication.”

Players across the league are taking stands during mandatory minicamps to try to grease the wheels on new deals. Those players under contract who are not participating in camp, like Kamara, are subject to fines of up to $100,000.

Nikki Chavanelle contributed to this report