Saints Sign RB Travis Etienne, Raising Questions About Alvin Kamara's Future

The Saints' big-money signing of Etienne could signal the end of the Alvin Kamara era in New Orleans.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The New Orleans Saints have signed free agent running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $52 million contract, putting the future of the franchise's all-time leading rusher Alvin Kamara in serious doubt. Kamara, who has spent his entire nine-year career with the Saints, showed signs of decline last season and has dealt with injury issues in recent years. The Saints' decision to invest heavily in Etienne strongly indicates they are preparing for life after Kamara, who previously implied he would retire rather than play for another team.

Why it matters

Kamara has been a cornerstone of the Saints' offense for nearly a decade, making the Pro Bowl five times and earning two All-Pro selections. His potential departure would mark the end of an era in New Orleans and force the team to rebuild its backfield around the younger and more expensive Etienne.

The details

The Saints have signed Etienne, a former first-round pick, to a lucrative four-year, $52 million contract. This move comes as Kamara, who will turn 31 in July, is coming off a down season in which he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry and had only 186 receiving yards. Kamara has also dealt with injury issues in recent years, further complicating the Saints' decision-making process.

  • Kamara has spent all nine years of his NFL career with the Saints, earning Pro Bowl honors from 2017-21 and becoming a Second-Team All-Pro on two occasions.
  • Kamara showed clear signs of decline during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging a measly 3.6 yards per rushing attempt and accumulating only 186 receiving yards in 11 games.
  • The Saints amended Kamara's contract in a way that would give them more financial flexibility if they cut him.

The players

Travis Etienne Jr.

A former first-round pick who has agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract with the Saints.

Alvin Kamara

The Saints' all-time leading rusher who has spent his entire nine-year career with the team, earning five Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors.

Mickey Loomis

The Saints' general manager who is taking action to add a new impact running back in Etienne.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, this really calls into the question the status of Alvin Kamara, who redid his contract. I think it's fair to say some have wondered whether or not he would walk away from the game at its height and end up sipping a Mai Tai on the beach, I believe is the way he described it.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Saints will need to determine Kamara's future with the team, as his departure seems inevitable following the Etienne signing. A decision on Kamara's status could come in the coming weeks or months.

The takeaway

The Saints' decision to invest heavily in Etienne signals a changing of the guard in their backfield, as the team appears ready to move on from the Alvin Kamara era and build around a younger, more durable running back. This move could have significant implications for the Saints' offense and their plans for the future.