Saints Sign Etienne, Raising Questions About Kamara's Future

New Orleans adds former Jaguars RB, leaving Alvin Kamara's role uncertain.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:38pm

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The New Orleans Saints have signed free agent running back Travis Etienne to a four-year, $52 million contract. This move raises questions about the future of the Saints' longtime star running back Alvin Kamara, who is entering the final year of his current deal. Saints head coach Kellen Moore avoided directly addressing whether Kamara is considering retirement, saying the team will 'go through that process' with the 31-year-old.

Why it matters

The addition of the 27-year-old Etienne, who is coming off a 1,000-yard season, suggests the Saints may be preparing for life after Kamara. Kamara has been a key part of the Saints' offense for the past nine seasons, but injuries have limited his production in recent years. The Saints' decision to invest heavily in Etienne could signal a shift in their backfield plans.

The details

Etienne signed a four-year, $52 million contract with the Saints, a significant investment in the former Jaguars running back. Kamara, 31, is entering the final year of his current two-year, $24.5 million extension. While Kamara has been one of the league's most productive running backs, his rushing numbers have declined in recent seasons due to injuries. In 2025, he posted a career-low 471 rushing yards and just 1 touchdown.

  • Etienne signed with the Saints on March 12, 2026.
  • Kamara will turn 31 years old during the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Kellen Moore

The head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

Alvin Kamara

A 31-year-old running back who has spent his entire 9-year NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, making 5 Pro Bowls to start his career but dealing with injuries in recent seasons.

Travis Etienne

A 27-year-old running back who was signed by the New Orleans Saints to a 4-year, $52 million contract after spending his first 4 NFL seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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What they’re saying

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

— Kellen Moore, Saints Head Coach (profootballnetwork.com)

“I'm not going to get into all that kind of stuff. I haven't had those kind of conversations anyway.”

— Kellen Moore, Saints Head Coach (profootballnetwork.com)

What’s next

The Saints will need to decide whether to keep Alvin Kamara or part ways with the veteran running back before the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Saints' signing of Travis Etienne to a lucrative contract suggests they may be preparing for life after Alvin Kamara, their longtime star running back. Kamara's future in New Orleans is now uncertain as the team has made a significant investment in the younger Etienne.