Saints Sign $52 Million Star RB Etienne

New Orleans outduels Chiefs and Broncos for former Jaguars standout

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:11am

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The New Orleans Saints have officially signed former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a lucrative free agent contract, beating out the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos for his services. Etienne, a dynamic playmaker known for his burst, vision, and pass-catching ability, is expected to be a key piece of the Saints' offense as they aim to return to the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Saints have been seeking to bolster their running game after a disappointing 2025 season, and the addition of Etienne, a 2021 first-round pick, gives them a young, versatile backfield weapon to build around. Etienne's ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver should provide a significant boost to the Saints' offense and help them compete in the NFC South.

The details

Etienne recorded 5,136 total scrimmage yards and 32 touchdowns in his four seasons with the Jaguars, establishing himself as one of the league's most dynamic young running backs. He helped the Jaguars reach the playoffs twice during his tenure, including a win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2022 AFC Wild Card Round. The Saints were able to outbid the Chiefs and Broncos, who were also interested in Etienne's services, to bring the former Clemson star to New Orleans.

  • Etienne signed with the Saints on March 14, 2026.

The players

Travis Etienne Jr.

A former first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Etienne is a versatile running back known for his explosive playmaking ability as both a runner and receiver.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints are a professional football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, and play in the NFC South division of the NFL.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are a professional football team based in Kansas City, Missouri, and play in the AFC West division of the NFL.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are a professional football team based in Denver, Colorado, and play in the AFC West division of the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“Travis Etienne told me the Chiefs and Broncos were two teams showing interest in free agency, but once the Saints entered the picture, the decision became fairly simple.”

— Jeff Nowak, WWL Radio Reporter (X/Twitter)

What’s next

The Saints will look to integrate Etienne into their offense as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season, with the goal of returning to the playoffs and making a deep postseason run.

The takeaway

The Saints' signing of Travis Etienne Jr. represents a significant upgrade to their backfield and a clear commitment to building a balanced, explosive offense around the young running back's unique skill set. Etienne's arrival in New Orleans should provide a major boost to the team's playoff aspirations in the coming seasons.