Saints Sign Travis Etienne Jr., Maintain Confidence in Kamara

The New Orleans Saints have secured Travis Etienne Jr., formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars, with a four-year, $52 million contract in March’s free agency period. This decision led to speculation about Alvin Kamara’s future with the team. Despite rumors suggesting Kamara might leave, they were largely unfounded.

Mike Garafolo reported on July 15 that Kamara’s agent, Brad Cicala, confirmed a new agreement for Kamara. “Alvin’s goal, and the team’s goal, was for him to remain with the Saints and retire as a Saint,” said Cicala.

Kamara, now 30, is gearing up for his 10th NFL season after being selected by the Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. With accolades as a five-time Pro Bowler, Kamara has proven his versatility as both a runner and a receiver. He holds the team record for career rushing yards, at 7,250 yards, and career rushing touchdowns, with 61.

After an injury-plagued 2025 season, where Kamara posted 471 yards and a single touchdown on 131 carries over 11 games, many hoped for a strategic resurgence. Under the guidance of second-year head coach Kellen Moore, Kamara’s role might be adapted to leverage his skills alongside Etienne Jr.

Kamara expressed optimism about the duo’s potential during Saints’ OTAs, as reported by ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. He noted previous successful partnerships with players like Mark Ingram and Latavius Murray, emphasizing the advantage of having multiple skilled backs in the game.

The team has enhanced its offensive lineup, highlighted by quarterback Tyler Shough, who emerged as a finalist for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Additionally, the Saints picked wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at No. 8 overall in the draft, joining forces with star receiver Chris Olave. With the NFC South being open, the Saints have a good chance of reaching the playoffs, which they haven’t achieved since 2020.