Saints Eye Top Free Agent Running Backs to Pair with Kamara

New Orleans looks to upgrade backfield through free agency ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Mar. 8, 2026 at 4:05pm

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The New Orleans Saints are expected to target top free agent running backs this offseason to complement veteran Alvin Kamara, whose production has declined in recent years. Potential targets include Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne, and other top tier free agents that could transform the Saints' offense.

Why it matters

The Saints' approach to the running back position in free agency will likely dictate their strategy in the upcoming NFL Draft, as landing a top free agent could impact whether they target a running back early on Day 1 or 2 of the draft.

The details

Alvin Kamara has been the focal point of the Saints' offense for several seasons, but his production has dipped significantly in recent years due to a combination of play-calling, misuse, and potential decline. The Saints are expected to add a featured back to pair with the 31-year-old Kamara, with several top free agents available including Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne, J.K. Dobbins, Kenneth Gainwell, and Tyler Allgeier. Landing a top free agent like Walker or Etienne could take the Saints out of the running for a top draft prospect like Jeremiyah Love, while signing a Tier 2 back may still leave them open to drafting a running back early.

  • Alvin Kamara turns 31 this offseason.

The players

Alvin Kamara

A nine-year veteran running back who has been the focal point of the Saints' offense, but has seen his production decline in recent seasons.

Kenneth Walker III

A 25-year-old free agent running back who is coming off a Super Bowl MVP performance and has two 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his four years with the Seattle Seahawks.

Travis Etienne

A 27-year-old free agent running back who has rushed for over 1,000 yards three times in four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and is known for his versatility and pass-catching ability.

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What they’re saying

“Running back Alvin Kamara has been the focal point of the New Orleans Saints offense for several seasons. At times in the last few years, Kamara has been the only consistent source of production for the Saints.”

— Bob Rose, Author

What’s next

The Saints will need to determine their approach to the running back position in free agency, as that will likely impact their strategy in the 2026 NFL Draft. If they are able to land a top free agent like Kenneth Walker III or Travis Etienne, it could take them out of the running for a top draft prospect like Jeremiyah Love.

The takeaway

The Saints' running game has been heavily reliant on Alvin Kamara in recent years, but his production has declined. Upgrading the backfield through free agency will be a priority for New Orleans this offseason as they look to pair a top free agent with the veteran Kamara and potentially reshape their draft plans.