Panthers' Rival Star RB Holding Out Amid Contract Dispute

Star RB Alvin Kamara skipped the Saints' mandatory minicamp last week with reports indicating he's holding out for a new contract. The structure of his current contract would pay him $22.4 million in 2025, leaving him vulnerable to becoming a cap casualty, and Kamara wants a new deal worked out before entering what could be his final season with New Orleans.

Kamara was present at the beginning on minicamp, though skipped on Thursday amid the dispute. He'll turn 29 years old in July, so this could be one of his last opportunities to secure a big payday from the only NFL team he's ever known.

He's the most important player on the Saints' offense though, and losing him to a holdout damages the team as it prepares for a Week 1 showdown with the Panthers.

Saints RB Alvin Kamara Holding Out for New Contract

With Juwan Johnson suffering an injury, New Orleans was down two important offensive players. It's still early in the summer and perhaps both could be available during training camp, though it's not an ideal situation to be in regardless.

Kamara played in only 13 games last year, rushing for 694 yards and adding 466 through the air with six total TDs. He's got a whopping 77 total TDs in his seven years with the franchise, becoming almost synonymous with the Saints.

Both parties seem confident the issue will be resolved, though we've seen star players' holdouts last into the regular season in the past. If Kamara does miss any games, Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller figure to lead the backfield in his absence.

It feels unlikely that Kamara's holdout would last into the regular season, though the same was true for the Chiefs' Chris Jones before he missed Week 1 last year. Perhaps we'll see a similar outcome with the Saints' lead back.

Either way, there's turmoil in New Orleans and the team might be ripe for an upset early in the season.

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