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IRVINE, Calif. (WVUE) - On the first day of New Orleans Saints training camp, General Manager Mickey Loomis and Head Coach Dennis Allen faced questions about the team’s prospects, recent changes, and running back Alvin Kamara’s contract situation.

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen takes questions during a press conference at... — New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen takes questions during a press conference at Crawford Field at University of California, Irvine, Calif., Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune) (STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER | The Times-Picayune)

Despite grim predictions from ESPN, which ranked the Saints 31st in a power ranking considering the next three seasons, Loomis dismissed the criticism.

“I don’t care about what these other media people think because most of them are unqualified,” Loomis said. “They have the right to their opinion, but they’re not qualified to be critical. I don’t ask them for advice, so why would I pay attention to a critique from them?”

When asked why fans should be excited about the Saints, Loomis highlighted the team’s motivation. “We have a chip on our shoulder, and that’s energizing. We have talent, a mix of young players trying to prove themselves, and veteran players unsatisfied with the past few years’ results.”

After three consecutive seasons missing the playoffs, the Saints made changes, including firing Pete Carmichael and hiring Klint Kubiak as offensive coordinator.

The Saints ended last season positively, winning four of their last five games, with Derek Carr showing promise as quarterback.

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis speaks during a press conference at Crawford... — New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis speaks during a press conference at Crawford Field at University of California, Irvine, Calif., Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune) (STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER | The Times-Picayune)

Kamara reported to training camp in Irvine, California, despite dissatisfaction with his contract, which runs through 2025 without guaranteed money. Loomis declined to discuss ongoing negotiations, stating it was up to Kamara to share his feelings.

”Alvin Kamara is a football player.” Kamara’s agent, Bradley Cicala, told FOX 8 Sports in response to why Kamara reported.

In June, Kamara exited the final day of minicamp early due to a contract dispute. There have been no significant updates on progress in those negotiations.

Allen confirmed Kamara passed his physical and is expected to practice on Wednesday.

Kamara would be subject to fines if he missed camp. He posted a photo of him and Marshawn Lynch on his Instagram page.

Lynch once said, “I’m just here so I don’t get fined.”

“I appreciate that he’s here. Those are questions you have to ask him about how he’s feeling,” Loomis said.

The Saints will not host fans at their Irvine training camp, citing logistics and NFL rules.

The team will have open practices in New Orleans on August 20 at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium and August 23 at the Caesars Superdome.

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