Allen expects Kamara to practice at Saints camp

IRVINE, Calif. — New Orleans coach Dennis Allen said running back Alvin Kamara is expected to practice when the Saints open training camp Wednesday morning.

Wide receiver Chris Olave, who was placed on the non-football injury list last week, and defensive end Chase Young, who is recovering from an offseason neck procedure, are also expected to practice “in some form or fashion” on Wednesday, according to Allen.

Kamara participated in two practices this offseason before leaving the final practice of mandatory minicamp for contract related reasons, a decision that appeared to take Allen by surprise. But Kamara was with the team when offseason activities resumed this week and went through the conditioning test on Tuesday.

Allen said that Kamara is fully healthy and said “it’s nothing that’s been discussed” when asked if Kamara would sit out any part of practice due to the contract issue.

“Having him out here, having him practice and having him work, I think that’s beneficial for all of us,” Allen said. “Obviously with the new system and the new offense, that’s important. I think we all understand there’s a business aspect to the game of football, but every indication that we’ve gotten is that he’ll be out here practicing tomorrow.”

Kamara, who turns 29 this week, remains the only major contract the Saints did not restructure in 2024, which leaves his salary cap figure at a team-high $18.5 million.

Kamara’s current contract was renegotiated prior to the 2020 season after he missed five practices, and runs through the 2025 season. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis declined to discuss specifics of any new contract negotiations, or whether he had talked to Kamara’s representation following minicamp.

“I don’t want to get into those kinds of conversations. It’s nothing new. It’s nothing about him,” Loomis said. ” … I’m not one that wants to put things out, or try to influence any negotiation through the media. I think if I have something to say, I say it directly to the agents and the player.”

If the Saints do not address Kamara’s salary this year, it would likely have to be addressed next year. Kamara’s cap figure $29 million in the final year of his deal, largely due to his $22.4 million non-guaranteed base salary.

“I think one thing that … you have to understand, and we have to understand is that, I’m going to be conservative here. I’d say 50 percent of our organization players, coaches, administrators, scouts feel like they’re underpaid, right? And believe they deserve and want more money. And how each of us respond to that and act accordingly. You know, listen, it’s just, that’s a personal issue. And so, I appreciate that he’s here,” Loomis said.

The Saints will open training camp without veteran right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, who will not play this year after the Saints placed him on the season-ending reserve/physically unable to perform list. Ramczyk is dealing with cartilage problems in his knee that date to the 2021 season.

“One of the things that doesn’t get talked about is how often he went out there without being 100 percent. And just given everything he’s got. … I know how badly he wants to play. And if there was any way possible, he would be playing,” Loomis said. “I just appreciate how … much he’s contributed to our team and hopeful that things can turn around. And with a year off, that his knee responds and he can get back out here for us.”

Allen said all parties involved initially felt optimistic about Ramczyk’s progress following a procedure on his knee in the early part of the offseason. But Allen said when the knee did not respond to the surgery as everyone hoped, it became clear that playing in 2024 was unlikely.

“I think we got to a point where it was pretty obvious, in terms of his mindset being able to play,” Allen said. “And I think once the player comes to the realization that, ‘Ah, I don’t think I’m going to be ready,’ then I think it just made sense for us to go ahead and make the move.”

Allen said that Ramczyk was disappointed but overall “at peace” with sitting out the season, but did not close the door on his playing career.

“I think we’re going to leave all options open,” Allen said. “I don’t think anything past this season is off the table.”