Saints RB Alvin Kamara, seeking new contract, skips end of mandatory minicamp

Alvin Kamara skipped the New Orleans Saints’ final practice of mandatory minicamp on Thursday.

Kamara’s departure was contract-related, the running back’s agent, Brad Cicala, told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

Saints coach Dennis Allen confirmed that Kamara participated in the morning walkthrough but left during the practice session. The coach said he couldn’t confirm why the running back left after attending previous workouts.

Skipping the final day of mandatory minicamp subjects Kamara to a fine.

Kamara technically has two years remaining on his contract, but it’s effectively a one-year deal at this stage. The back is set to make $10.2 million in base salary, with just $1 million guaranteed. His 2025 base is $22.4 million with zero guaranteed — essentially a dummy year on the back end of his extension to inflate the per-year average.

With Christian McCaffrey recently getting a new pact, Kamara, the No. 2-paid RB, wants his deal with the Saints reworked; the two sides have been discussing a contract restructure for a few months, but there has been no progress, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported Thursday.

It’s unclear at this point what would satisfy the back. Is he looking for an extension that keeps him on pace with CMC? Would moving money up from 2025 to this year suffice? Does he want more guarantees?

The Saints and Kamara have been discussing a contract restructure for a few months, but there has been no progress, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported Thursday.

Kamara was suspended for the first three games of the 2023 season for an off-field incident in Las Vegas during the Pro Bowl in February 2022. Upon his return, he once again took the mantle of New Orleans’ lead back. He touched the rock often but was inefficient most of the year in Pete Carmichael’s offense. Kamara generated 3.9 yards per carry — his third straight year at or below 4.0 YPC — and had a career-low 5.4 yards per target as a checkdown option for Derek Carr.

Kamara profiles as an excellent fit in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme. Before he takes a real snap in that O, however, he’d like to work on his contract.