Saints Coach Kellen Moore Avoids Clarity on Alvin Kamara's Future

Amid speculation about the star running back's potential retirement, the Saints' new coach offers few details.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:20pm

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In his first press conference as the New Orleans Saints' new head coach, Kellen Moore sidestepped questions about the future of star running back Alvin Kamara. With the Saints recently signing free agent Travis Etienne Jr. to a lucrative deal, there has been speculation that the 30-year-old Kamara could be considering retirement after 10 seasons with the team. However, Moore refused to provide any clarity on Kamara's status, saying the organization would "go through that process" while acknowledging Kamara's importance to the team.

Why it matters

Kamara is the Saints' all-time leading rusher and a five-time Pro Bowler, so his potential departure would be a major loss for the franchise. The signing of Etienne, a former first-round pick, suggests the Saints may be preparing for life after Kamara, raising questions about the team's plans for its backfield and the future of one of the NFL's most dynamic offensive players.

The details

When asked directly if Kamara was considering retirement, Moore replied, "I'm not gonna get into all of that stuff. I haven't had those conversations in any way." The Saints quickly signed Etienne, a former Jaguars standout, to a four-year, $52 million deal this week, indicating they may be moving on from Kamara, who is entering the final year of his contract after restructuring his deal earlier this month.

  • On Monday, the Saints reached an agreement with Etienne on a four-year, $52 million contract.
  • Kamara is entering the last year of his contract after restructuring his deal earlier this month.

The players

Kellen Moore

The new head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

Alvin Kamara

The Saints' all-time leading rusher and a five-time Pro Bowl running back who is entering his 10th NFL season.

Travis Etienne Jr.

A former first-round pick who the Saints signed to a four-year, $52 million contract in free agency to bolster their rushing attack.

Mickey Loomis

The general manager of the New Orleans Saints.

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What they’re saying

“We'd like to go through that process, certainly. Obviously we know Alvin means a lot to us. We're three days into this thing and we signed Travis, and we'll go through that process.”

— Kellen Moore, Head Coach, New Orleans Saints (Yahoo Sports)

“I'm not gonna get into all of that stuff. I haven't had those conversations in any way.”

— Kellen Moore, Head Coach, New Orleans Saints (Yahoo Sports)

“I just got to keep my head down. And I don't know, if I was a GM, I guess I would go to the player and be like, 'Hey, we're trading you. Just so you know.' So, if (Saints general manager) Mickey (Loomis) come downstairs and says that, then I'm going to go drink a piña colada somewhere.”

— Alvin Kamara (USA Today)

What’s next

The Saints will need to decide whether to keep Alvin Kamara or move on from the veteran running back, potentially by trading him or releasing him.

The takeaway

The Saints' signing of Travis Etienne Jr. to a lucrative contract has raised questions about the future of Alvin Kamara, the team's all-time leading rusher. With Kamara's contract status uncertain and the new coach unwilling to provide clarity, the Saints face a critical offseason decision on the direction of their backfield.