There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Saints coach Sean Payton right now.
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.
Sources say that Payton, who has three years left on his contract, has not committed to returning to coach for another season in New Orleans. He has not yet informed the organization for whom he's coached since 2006 that he will definitely return.
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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.
Saints owner Gayle Benson was asked about Sean Payton today @FOX8NOLA @oliviavidaltv pic.twitter.com/OyoYDjsqO0
— Sean FazendeFOX8 (@SeanFazendeFOX8) January 24, 2022
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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.
I’m not 100% committed to putting ketchup on my fries tonight…. @FletcherWDSU with more later on tonight
— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) January 23, 2022
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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Payton's plans should be known soon enough, and he will likely be involved in the 2022 NFL season in some capacity. If he doesn't return to the Saints, Fox reportedly is eyeing him as a potential replacement for Troy Aikman should the former Cowboys quarterback and veteran broadcaster jump ship and sign with Amazon.
So, expect to see Payton involved with the NFL in one way or another moving forward. It just may not be with the Saints.