METAIRIE -- Dennis Allen and Mickey Loomis met with the media ahead of Saints training camp starting on Wednesday. There were plenty of takeaways from both of their interviews. Here's some of the biggest ones, which range to Alvin Kamara, new additions, the outlook of the team, and much more.
"I'm excited about the team," Allen said. The Saints are going through physicals right now, and Allen said that he anticipates everyone participating in some form or fashion when practices start on Wednesday.
Allen stressed competition a good bit several times as a theme entering Saints training camp. Loomis said said there's a few spots that he might want to have another player at that's had NFL experience, but would not identify those positions. He also said that he's not losing sleep over it.
"Felt like those were two guys that would be good additions for our football team," Allen said in his opening statement on Tuesday.
Allen said the Jimmy Graham addition transpired throughout the course of the summer. He said that the Saints wanted to make sure he had the desire of wanting to play. New Orleans brought him in for a workout on Monday, and Allen mentioned that Graham was in great shape. He also said that he was a perfect fit for the tight end room.
Loomis said, "We talked about Jimmy Graham a couple times last year." He added that there's been a few times the past 4-5 years that they discussed bringing him back with his agent. "Came down to a need on our part and a desire to play on his part."
Regarding the Trai Turner addition, Allen said that a move was not related to the health of Andrus Peat or Cesar Ruiz. "Having the versatility, having the depth, having the competition I think is all good," he said on the signing.
There will be no restrictions or limitations on Michael Thomas as we enter training camp. Allen said the expectation for him is that he is going to be a full participant, starting on Wednesday. Allen added that he came in last Thursday for his physical and said he looked awesome. Thomas said as much back in minicamp, but getting confirmation is a big step forward for him.
Both Allen and Loomis did not have any updates regarding the suspension for Alvin Kamara. They have not heard from the league. "It's in the league's hands," Loomis said. He added that the team has no influence over this area, citing that the league will go through their process and that the team will just wait for it.
"Somebody's got to step up and win the job." Said he's excited about watching them compete. Allen pointed out that the team has several cornerbacks on the team that could be starters in the league. Ross Jackson and I talked extensively about this outlook, in which the Saints can't lose.
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