Saints Sign RB Travis Etienne, Signaling Potential Kamara Departure

Alvin Kamara's nine-year tenure with the Saints could be coming to an end after the team added Etienne on a lucrative four-year deal.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The New Orleans Saints have signed running back Travis Etienne to a reported four-year, $52 million contract, raising questions about the future of longtime Saints star Alvin Kamara. Kamara, who was a third-round pick in 2017, has seen his production decline in recent seasons, and the Saints' investment in Etienne could lead to the end of Kamara's nine-year run with the team.

Why it matters

The addition of Etienne, a highly touted running back prospect, suggests the Saints may be preparing to move on from Kamara, who has been a fixture in the New Orleans backfield since 2017. This could have significant implications for the Saints' offense and roster construction going forward.

The details

Kamara's recent contract restructuring did not include a signing bonus, and the final year of his deal only carries $3 million in injury guarantees, making him an easier player to trade or release. In 2025, Kamara had a career-low 471 rushing yards and 186 receiving yards in 11 games, indicating his production may be on the decline.

  • The Saints signed Travis Etienne to a reported four-year, $52 million contract on March 9, 2026.
  • Alvin Kamara has been with the Saints since being drafted in the third round in 2017.

The players

Travis Etienne

A highly touted running back prospect who the Saints have signed to a lucrative four-year, $52 million contract.

Alvin Kamara

A longtime Saints running back who has been a fixture in the New Orleans backfield since being drafted in the third round in 2017, but has seen his production decline in recent seasons.

Sean Payton

The former Saints head coach who was smitten with Kamara during the 2017 pre-draft process and could potentially make a play for a reunion with the running back if he leaves New Orleans.

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What they’re saying

“With the Saints adding running back Travis Etienne on a reported four-year, $52 million deal, Alvin Kamara's nine-year run with the team could be ending.”

— Mike Florio (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

It remains to be seen whether the Saints will trade or release Alvin Kamara, or if he will remain with the team. The situation will likely become clearer in the coming weeks and months as the team's roster decisions for the 2026 season take shape.

The takeaway

The Saints' signing of Travis Etienne to a lucrative contract suggests the team may be preparing to move on from longtime running back Alvin Kamara, who has seen his production decline in recent seasons. This could have significant implications for the Saints' offense and roster construction going forward, and could potentially lead to a reunion between Kamara and former Saints head coach Sean Payton if Kamara departs New Orleans.