After leaving mandatory minicamp because of a contract dispute, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has reported to training camp.

With Tuesday being veteran report day for the New Orleans Saints, everyone was waiting to see if star running back Alvin Kamara would report for training camp. Earlier this offseason, the veteran rusher left mandatory minicamp ahead of the final practice because of a contract dispute with the team.

With the situation unresolved, it was unclear if Kamara would stage a hold out, which would have subjected him to fines. However, Nick Underhill has reported that the veteran running back has arrived to Saints training camp in Southern California.

Alvin Kamara isn’t holding out for a new contract

Kamara is preparing for his eighth year in the league, all in New Orleans, and what’s essentially the final year on his contract. Technically, Kamara has two seasons remaining on his deal, but he’s due north of $25 million in 2025. Understanding that New Orleans isn’t going to pay him that much money for a single season, 2024 is being viewed as a contract year.

That’s why Kamara was seeking a new deal. It was reported that the running back was even open to a reworked two-year deal that, either giving him more money this year or some security beyond this season. It’s unclear where the Saints stand on the entire thing, but we know they haven’t met Kamara’s desires.

Now, with the star running back in camp, the question is what’s next? His presence doesn’t necessarily mean the saga is over. Kamara could stage a hold in— when players are in attendance but don’t participate in anything until they can agree on a new deal. That certainly could still happen, or Kamara could just proceed with all activities and hope a deal gets done before the season.

However it unfolds, 2024 is a big year for Kamara and the Saints. Turning 29 years old on Thursday, July 25, some critics are worried that the veteran running back is declining. Coming off his least productive season, analysts have debated whether the dip in production had more to do with Kamara or the offensive line he was playing behind.

The 2024 season could give some clarity on where Kamara is at. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has been open about his desire to run the football and load up Kamara’s plate. New Orleans’ rebuilt offensive line, consisting of three inexperienced players, will have to get on board and deliver, but Kamara could have one of his best seasons to date.

Best-case scenario for Kamara would be having that kind of season, staying healthy, and then getting a new contract that rewards him. However, there’s no guarantee that contract would be with the Saints if it comes after the season. New Orleans will be challenged by the salary cap next offseason, and if the 2024 season is underwhelming for the team, the franchise could decide to rebuild.

That’s why this is such an important season for the team as a whole, Alvin Kamara, and several other key veterans. All of their futures are up in the air, and the direction they come down will be decided by the team’s performance this year.