One of the biggest early questions of the New Orleans Saints' 2024 training camp has been answered: Alvin Kamara has arrived in Southern California.
That was a question for the veteran running back after he departed early from Saints minicamp with an eye on a reworked contract. While Kamara is in attendance, reports indicate that the two sides have not made significant progress on a new deal.
Kamara's decision to report is one that should save him some cash, regardless of where things go from here. The latest collective bargaining agreement imposes significant fines on players who hold out from camp practices, a lever Kamara could've potentially pulled if he wanted to play hardball on a deal. The soon-to-be 29-year-old running back could still opt for some form of protest by not participating fully in workouts, something the team encountered ahead of the 2022 season with former DB C.J. Garder-Johnson pushing for a new deal.
Kamara's situation is complicated somewhat by the fact that he is under contract through the 2025 season, though his deal appears to be one that could become a cap casualty under certain circumstances. It remains unknown what Kamara would be seeking in a new deal, though it would likely involved more guaranteed money on the back end of the agreement.
The Saints could end up in a precarious situation should Kamara press the issue, with an offensive scheme brought in by new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak that almost certainly plans to rely heavily on the versatile back. Options behind him include another veteran Jamaal Williams and second-year pro Kendre Miller, both of whom struggled with availability and consistency a year ago.
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The question for Kamara also includes an age cliff for running backs that typically approaches as those players approach their age 30 seasons. Kamara is coming off what are his two worst statistical seasons, though much of that could be attributed to the scuffling offense and schemes since Sean Payton departed.
Despite a down year by his own standards, Kamara remained a key cog in the Saints' offensive attack with 694 yards and 5 touchdowns on 180 carries, along with another 466 yards and a touchdown on 75 catches across 13 games played. Kamara missed the first three games of the season due to suspension, as well as a Week 18 win over the Falcons due to injury.
The Saints kick off their 2024 training camp practice slate on Wednesday morning in Irvine, California.