NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints in action during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Kamara returns to practice after absence, trade rumor

Sean Gardner / Getty Images Sport / Getty

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara was back at practice Wednesday following a multi-day absence that prompted trade rumors.

Kamara reportedly skipped at least three days of training camp for reasons related to his contract. The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is eyeing a lucrative long-term extension.

"We're actively negotiating a contract with him and his agent," head coach Sean Payton said after practice.

Trade rumblings involving Kamara increased Tuesday following a report the Saints were open to dealing the star rusher. New Orleans would reportedly seek a first-round pick in a trade for him.

Kamara has been a vital cog in the Saints' offense since becoming a third-round pick in 2017. One of the NFL's most dynamic offensive players over the last three seasons, Kamara contributes to the Saints as a rusher, receiver, and returner.

He's expected to command a hefty new contract that would put him near the $16-million annual salary Christian McCaffrey secured on an extension earlier this offseason. The Tennessee product is slated to earn $2.13 million in base salary in 2020.

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