Saints Reportedly Considering Trading Star RB Alvin Kamara

The signing of Travis Etienne has raised questions about Kamara's future in New Orleans.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The New Orleans Saints made a splash in free agency by signing running back Travis Etienne Jr. This has led to speculation that the team could be willing to trade star running back Alvin Kamara, who has been with the Saints since 2017. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that teams around the league are tracking the situation and wondering if Kamara could be on the move.

Why it matters

Kamara has been a key part of the Saints' offense since being drafted in 2017, making the Pro Bowl four times. However, he is coming off a down year in 2025 due to injuries. The addition of Etienne raises questions about how the Saints will utilize their backfield going forward, potentially leading to Kamara's departure.

The details

Kamara is still under contract with the Saints for the 2026 season. However, his performance has declined in recent years, with injuries limiting him to just 11 games and 471 yards rushing last season. The Saints' signing of Etienne, a former first-round pick, suggests the team may be ready to move on from Kamara and transition to a new running back tandem.

  • The Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency in 2026.
  • Alvin Kamara has been with the Saints since being drafted in 2017.

The players

Alvin Kamara

A star running back who has played for the New Orleans Saints since being drafted in 2017, making the Pro Bowl four times. However, he is coming off a down year in 2025 due to injuries.

Travis Etienne Jr.

A running back who was signed by the Saints in free agency in 2026 after a bounce-back season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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What they’re saying

“With the Saints reaching agreement today with RB Travis Etienne, there now are questions around the league about whether RB Alvin Kamara will be moving on from New Orleans and whether the Saints would be willing to trade him.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter (X)

What’s next

The Saints will need to determine how they plan to utilize their backfield going forward and whether Kamara remains a part of their plans.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the tough decisions NFL teams face when trying to balance veteran talent with the need to infuse new blood into the roster. The Saints' signing of Etienne suggests they may be ready to move on from Kamara, a longtime Saints star, in favor of a new running back tandem.