New Orleans Saints seemed like they have a hold out on their hands last week, with their star back Alvin Camara missing practices while reportedly asking for a new deal. However, Kamara denies that the contract dispute was the reason for his absence.
“Not really, I ain’t ever held out in my life,” said Kamara when asked to comment the reports. “That’s about it.”
Kamara’s absence from practices was reportedly without excuse, although the 25-year-old RB experienced back issues at the same time and underwent epidural treatment.
“I came to the building every day,” he added. “That’s all I’ve got to say.”
During Alvin Kamara’s absence, his camp and Saints engaged in active contract negotiations, but the team briefly entertained the idea of trading the player at one point. Things settled once Kamara returned to practice, and the two sides remain committed to making a deal, although they are considerably apart at this moment.
Kamara, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, is considered one of the best dual-threat backs in the NFL and has three consecutive Pro Bowl nods. However, his value is still unclear compared to recent extensions give to running backs. He is unlikely to get $16 million annually that Carolina Panthers’ gave Christian McCaffrey but is expected to top Joe Mixon’s recent $12 million a year deal with Cinncinati Bengals.
Kamara rushed for 2,408 yards and 27 touchdowns since becoming a third-round pick in 2017, while he also accumulated 243 receptions for 2,068 receiving yards and 10 TD.
