Saints running back Alvin Kamara reported for training camp and participated in a conditioning test on Tuesday despite being unsatisfied with his contract.
Kamara’s decision to show up was a welcome sight for Saints coach Dennis Allen and general manager Mickey Loomis after the star running back had walked out of minicamp in June, unhappy about a lack of progress on negotiations toward an extension.
“I haven’t had a conversation with him today, but he’s here. I appreciate that he’s here,” Loomis said.
“I’d say 50 percent of our organization — players, coaches, administrators, scouts — feel like they’re underpaid … and believe they deserve and want more money,” Loomis continued. “But I appreciate that he’s here. He’s in great shape, like he always is, looking for a good season. But more importantly, I think for him, is he wants to win.”
The Saints are scheduled to hold their opening practice of training camp on Wednesday at the University of California at Irvine.
Players were not made available for interviews on Tuesday.
Kamara, who turns 29 on Thursday, has two seasons left on his contract, but none of his more than $22 million salary in 2025 is guaranteed. That means the Saints could enjoy substantial savings by cutting Kamara next year if he struggles either on the field or with his health this season.
This will also be the first season for Kamara and the Saints offense in an overhauled scheme brought in by new coordinator Klint Kubiak.
“We’re looking forward to working with him, having him out here, having him practice and having him work,” Allen said. “That’s beneficial for all of us. Obviously, with the new system and the new offense, that’s important. I think we all understand there’s a business aspect to the game of football, but every indication that we’ve gotten is that he’ll be out here practicing.”
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