Chiefs, Saints Bolster Running Backs Ahead of NFL Draft

Moves suggest Jeremiyah Love may not be in the plans for either team

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints have made significant free agency moves to bolster their running back positions, signing Kenneth Walker III and Travis Etienne Jr. respectively. These deals suggest that Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, a top running back prospect, may not be in the plans for either team in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

Why it matters

Love had been widely projected to be selected by either the Chiefs or Saints, who held the 8th and 9th overall picks. However, the teams' aggressive moves to sign established running backs indicate they may be looking to address other needs in the draft, potentially pushing Love down the board.

The details

The Chiefs agreed to a 3-year, $45 million deal with Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, the reigning Super Bowl MVP. Around the same time, the Saints are expected to sign Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a 4-year, $52 million contract. These deals, which cannot be finalized until the new league year begins on Wednesday, suggest the Chiefs and Saints have moved on from drafting Love.

  • The Chiefs agreed to terms with Kenneth Walker III on March 9, 2026.
  • The Saints are expected to sign Travis Etienne Jr. on March 9, 2026.

The players

Jeremiyah Love

A Heisman finalist running back from Notre Dame who was widely projected to be selected by the Chiefs or Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kenneth Walker III

The reigning Super Bowl MVP running back who has agreed to a 3-year, $45 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Travis Etienne Jr.

The Jacksonville Jaguars running back who is expected to sign a 4-year, $52 million contract with the New Orleans Saints.

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What they’re saying

“many now believe Love's floor is the Titans at No. 4 overall.”

— Evan Sidery (Newsweek)

“the best player in the draft.”

— anonymous AFC scout (Newsweek)

What’s next

The Titans, who hold the 4th overall pick, have been addressing defensive needs in free agency, potentially freeing them up to select Love with the 4th pick and pair him with last year's No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Cam Ward.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' and Saints' aggressive moves to sign established running backs suggest Jeremiyah Love may not be in their plans for the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially pushing him down the board. However, the Titans, who hold the 4th overall pick, could be a landing spot for the talented running back if they decide to go with the best available player.