Fines are on the table for players failing to report to training camp on time, even veterans eager to hit the negotiating table instead.

Count New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara among that group.

He left minicamp prematurely last month as a signal to the New Orleans brass that he wasn’t happy. But Kamara said the Saints aren’t budging.

“I ain’t stupid. I ain’t gonna give the money up,” Kamara said of his reasons for showing up to camp in a timely manner. “I’m trying to get some money, right? I was gonna be here. It’s no one that has a jersey on, I wouldn’t even blame any coaches [with] what’s going on with contract issues right now.

“This happens all across the league. It’s happened here. It’s happened everywhere. People trying to get contracts, trying to get paid. I’ll be a fool to spite my teammates because of a dispute I’m having with upstairs. I wouldn’t even call it a dispute. We’re just having conversations about compensation. … I’m not that guy. I’m for the team. So I’m here, I’m doing what I’ve got to do. I’m working.”

Kamara’s 2024 contract includes a base salary of $10.2 million but only $1 million guaranteed, and there’s no guarantee left on his deal for 2025. His base salary of more than $22 million is an inflated number unlikely to be paid out by the Saints or any other team.

That’s why Kamara, who turns 29 this week, said he felt he needed to depart minicamp ahead of schedule and send a direct message.

“Trying to get a contract done, and it just ain’t been nothing happening,” he said. “Ain’t been no real conversations or, I would say, worthy conversations of contract.”

Kamara clarified that his goal is to be part of the Saints and, as long as he’s in camp and able to practice, he intends to play.

“I planned on playing. If there’s no commitment to years after this, then s— … I mean, I feel like y’all pay attention to football more than me, y’all know what that mean,” Kamara said.

–Field Level Media