Alvin Kamara was the last player New Orleans Saints fans expected to see at organized team activities. Even his own teammates were surprised when he walked into the locker room talking trash. After practice, Kamara revealed his teammates reaching out to him is what motivated the decision to come to OTAs.
Many assumed Kamara's presence was related to his contract situation being up in the air. While he denied it, his reasoning suggests the contract was an indirect reason for his arrival. He said this year was different because of his teammates.
"Some of my teammates hit me up, checking on me." Sounds like teammates in a different way than normal. It isn't a reach to say the uncertainty could have influenced the way they checked on him. At least it got him in the building.
Kamara also told the media it was a last minute decision to show up. He was in his bed late Tuesday night and made the impromptu decision to find a flight from Miami to New Orleans. There was one in two hours. Kamara booked it and showed up at the facility Wednesday morning without telling anyone.
There's one hidden benefit behind Alvin Kamara showing up to OTA
Kamara reporting to OTAs should not be considered odd. Hes basically in contract limbo right now and reporting for anything at least puts teams in a position to decide if they want to push forward or not. Injuries at a team held activity would protect his salary for the year.
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) June 3, 2026
Kamara is typically away from the team preparing for the season. By being in New Orleans at the facility, he gives himself a layer of protection. Injuries away from the facilities aren't protected as football injuries. It's an unfortunate technicality the NFL has. Players are preparing for the season, but are penalized as if they weren't if injury happens.
With Kamara's future likely being tied to finances, that would make matters even worse. Over the Cap founder Jason Fitzgerald pointed this out. He correctly notes that Kamara is in "contract limbo." If Kamara were to have some injury, it would protect his salary for the 2026 season because it happened at the facility.
This wasn't at all part of Kamara's motivation, but it is a hidden benefit. Fitzgerald also pointed out how it puts the Saints in decision mode. Kamara was noncommittal on whether or not he would show up again, but showing up on Wednesday could at least get things flowing.
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