NFL Trade Rumors: New Orleans Saints Running Back Alvin Kamara Skipping Minicamp Over Contract

The New Orleans Saints are at odds with their biggest star. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, five-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara was not seen at the final practice of minicamp due to a "contract-related" departure.

Just spoke to Alvin Kamara's agent Brad Cicala, who confirms Kamara's departure is contract-related. https://t.co/1Ls47eU0do
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2024

Kamara is one of the few players left from the Drew Brees-led glory days of the Saints, having joined the team in 2017 as a third-round pick. He has two years left on a five-year, $75 million extension signed in 2020, a deal that remains the second-richest running back contract in the league in annual average behind only 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey. Notably, he only has $1 million in guaranteed salary remaining on the deal.

Kamara's dissatisfaction is notable given just how rich his deal is compared to running backs around the league: He's set to earn $11.8 million in total compensation this year and an eye-popping $25 million in 2025. If anything, he's just as much a cut/trade candidate as an extension/restructure candidate. Set to turn 29 years old in July, Kamara is coming off a season where he set career lows in yards from scrimmage (1160) and yards per touch (4.5).

Looking for a little bit more security at this point in his career makes sense for Kamara, but he may be overestimating his value around the league if he expects the Saints to make significant concessions or assurances beyond this season. It's possible this is the beginning of the end of his time in New Orleans. If he's going to meaningfully increase his guaranteed money in the coming years, he'll probably have to do so with another team after he's traded or released.