Saints Sign RB Travis Etienne, Casting Doubt on Alvin Kamara's Future

The four-year, $52 million deal for Etienne could signal the end of Kamara's tenure in New Orleans.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms with free agent running back Travis Etienne on a four-year, $52 million contract. This move casts doubt on the future of veteran running back Alvin Kamara, who is entering the final year of his deal and has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. The Saints' decision to invest heavily in Etienne, a younger and more durable option, suggests they may be ready to move on from Kamara.

Why it matters

Alvin Kamara has been a cornerstone of the Saints' offense for years, but his age and injury history have become a concern. The Etienne signing gives the Saints a potential replacement who can provide similar production and versatility, potentially allowing the team to part ways with Kamara and free up salary cap space to address other needs.

The details

Etienne, a former first-round pick, has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of his four NFL seasons and is also a capable receiver, much like Kamara. The Saints' decision to sign Etienne to a lucrative four-year deal suggests they believe he can be a long-term solution at the running back position, potentially making Kamara expendable.

  • The Saints agreed to terms with Etienne on March 10, 2026, the first day of the NFL's legal tampering period.
  • Kamara is entering the final year of his contract in 2026 and will turn 31 years old this summer.

The players

Travis Etienne

A 26-year-old running back who was a first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022. Etienne has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of his four NFL seasons and is known for his versatility as a receiver.

Alvin Kamara

A 31-year-old running back who has been a star for the New Orleans Saints since being drafted in 2017. Kamara is a multiple-time Pro Bowler but has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, playing in only 11 games in 2025.

Tyler Shough

The Saints' starting quarterback in 2025, a second-year player who showed promise as a rookie and will look to build on his performance with the addition of Etienne to the backfield.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Alvin Kamara watch is officially on.”

— Mike Garafolo, NFL Insider (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Saints will need to decide whether to keep Kamara or move on from the veteran running back, potentially trading or releasing him. Etienne's arrival also raises questions about the team's plans for 2025 draft pick Devin Neal and 2024 third-rounder Kendre Miller in the backfield.

The takeaway

The Saints' decision to sign Travis Etienne to a lucrative deal suggests they are preparing for life after Alvin Kamara, a franchise icon who has battled injuries in recent seasons. This move gives the Saints a younger, more durable option at running back and could allow them to free up salary cap space to address other needs on the roster.