Figuring out where Kamaras worth lies might eventually show too tough, since there is a broad chasm in between Christian McCaffreys $16 million per year and Joe Mixons $12 million annually in current extensions for NFL running backs.
However, this is not a case in which the Saints are excited to part methods with their three-time Pro Bowler, who was named the NFLs Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017 after being prepared in the third complete of Tennessee. The Saints have actually made an offer that at least shows theyre willing to make a long-lasting dedication to Kamara, regardless of their salary-cap constraints, due to the fact that of the value he brings as both a runner and a receiver.
Kamara, 25, has an overall of 2,408 rushing backyards, 2,068 getting yards and 38 touchdowns in 3 seasons. He has precisely 81 catches in each of his first three seasons– regardless of missing out on two video games last year and being hindered by knee and ankle injuries over the final half of the season.
A source informed ESPNs Jeremy Fowler that Kamara was also looking for treatment for a back problem during those absences. Kamara returned to practice totally last week and said Monday that he is not worried about the back being an issue.
” Its something light,” Kamara stated. “I kind of handled it a bit last camp too. Simply a little flare-up, simply a little [sacroiliac] joint flare-up. It simply needed some rest, a little injection, but nothing major.”
Kamara is heading into the last year of his rookie contract, but up until now he and the Saints have actually been unable to bridge the gap relating to a long-term extension.
A source validated that New Orleans was even available to the concept of trading Kamara for a first-round pick due to his absence from practice. The source indicated that things had actually calmed down prior to Kamara returned last Wednesday.
Kamara decreased to respond, nevertheless, when asked Monday whether he is confident a contract will get done and whether he plans to play every video game if it does not.
,” Kamara repeated more than once. “We focused on Tampa, set up the very first part of the game strategy, just working some of those little kinks out. … Just all set for Sunday.”
Saints coach Sean Payton was likewise asked Monday whether hes worried about Kamara being affected if he does not have a brand-new offer in place.
” No. 1, we would never go over any type of contract development with the media,” Payton said. “Im positive that eventually well get this done, and well let you understand when that occurs.”
” I aint never ever held out in my life,” stated Kamara, who spoke to the media for the very first time because his absence. Thats all Ive got to say.”
METAIRIE, La.– Alvin Kamara primarily avoided questions about his contract talks with the New Orleans Saints on Monday, insisting that his focus is on Sundays season opener versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But Kamara did counter the narrative that he was holding out from Saints practices throughout a current four-day stretch, when sources stated his absence was unexcused.
” I aint never ever held out in my life,” stated Kamara, who spoke with the media for the very first time given that his absence. “I came to the building every day. Thats all Ive got to say.”
” Its something light,” Kamara stated.,” Kamara duplicated more than as soon as. “We focused on Tampa, installed the first part of the game strategy, simply working some of those little kinks out.
