Rumors have swirled about the status of the New Orleans coach as the 2022 NFL offseason arrives. Most notably, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Payton is “not committed to returning” to the Saints in 2022.
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Rapoport also reported that Payton is on vacation and may just have his phone off. However, Payton “has gone dark on several people close to him” during this time, so that has further fueled speculation.
Saints owner Gayle Benson did little to slow the spread of those rumors when she said Monday that she isn’t sure whether Payton will be back for a 16th season.
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However, at least one member of the Saints’ organization doesn’t seem too concerned about the rumors surrounding Payton. That would be running back Alvin Kamara.
Kamara took to Twitter on Sunday night to poke fun at the rumors by revealing that he was “not 100% committed” to his dinner plans.
That’s a pretty funny quip on Kamara’s part, and it certainly doesn’t seem like he’s too worried about whether Payton will return. Or maybe he’s just tired of the rumors and this is his way of blowing off steam.
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So, expect to see Payton involved with the NFL in one way or another moving forward. It just may not be with the Saints.