Alvin Kamara comments on the value of running backs in the contract dispute with the Saints

The New Orleans Saints are currently on hiatus until training camp begins in late July, but the team still has a lot of work to do. Topping the list is Alvin Kamara’s contract. The star running back has two years left on his contract, but since he will make over $25 million next season, 2024 is essentially the last year of his contract.

That’s why Kamara is looking for a new contract. He made that clear on the last day of mandatory minicamp when he left before practice began. Kamara and the Saints still have plenty of time to come to an agreement before training camp, but if they can’t, it will be interesting to see if the veteran running back sticks around.

Meanwhile, the NFL world is in the latest chapter of the ongoing saga of the value of running backs in the NFL. That conversation has come up again, this time due to discussions about Saquon Barkley in “Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants.” New York had the NFL Films crew document its offseason, and that includes the loss of star running back Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles.

During the broadcast, New York’s front office was shown discussing Barkley’s future with the team. The Giants argued that they didn’t think they could franchise tag him for $12 million and then trade him to another team. The team also knew they didn’t want to pay him that much, and emphasized that he is 27 years old. For this reason, New York ultimately let Barkley go as a free agent.

However, the clip made the rounds on social media and everyone noticed how dismissive the franchise was towards its best player. Alvin Kamara even chimed in with a few words, responding to the video by saying, “What (Marshawn Lynch) said…”

Marshawn Lynch has many quotable moments, but Kamara is likely referring to Lynch’s famous speech after the final game of his career, when he advised his fellow NFL players to “take care of your body, take care of your chicken, take care of your psyche.” Chicken, of course, means money. Lynch made it clear that players need to take care of their business so they can leave the game when they want to and continue to take care of themselves in every way.

Kamara probably remembers this moment to emphasize that players need to look out for themselves. Teams will use players for everything they have and then, when the franchise sees fit, they will get rid of those players. Therefore, it is up to the players to secure their chicken, and that is exactly what Alvin Kamara is trying to do now.

READ MORE