Etienne's arrival sparks questions about Kamara's future. A blockbuster move looms as speculation mounts regarding the veteran running back's next destination.
The New Orleans Saints are set at running back for the 2026 season. That is, they're good enough at the position to have a quality playmaker at starter.
The Saints signed star running back Travis Etienne to solidify their starting position. Now, some believe the team could have a difficult time keeping aging star Alvin Kamara on the roster.
Dr. Arati Kulkarni Srivastava of The Times of India discussed one team that the running back could sign with next season.
"The Saints signed Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne to a four-year, $52M contract, averaging $13M per year. He bid farewell to his longtime friend Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence.
Analysts Dan Orlovsky and Peter Schrager say Etienne’s joining could mean Kamara’s departure. Schrager said on The Pat McAfee Show, 'You don’t usually bring in a big free agent like Etienne and keep a Kamara.'
Kamara has the biggest cap hit for New Orleans. He’s in the final year of his two-year, $24.5M contract, which he signed in Oct. 2024.
Instead of offering him more or signaling a new contract extension, the Saints reduced his 2026 salary on March 6 from $18M to $10M using the CBA’s 50% rule. Just three days after this salary adjustment, they brought in Etienne, prompting sudden speculation about Kamara’s future with the franchise.
With Etienne now on the roster and Kamara’s position in doubt, various analysts have put forth a franchise that makes perfect sense for the Saints running back. The tallest of them all is the Sam Darnold-led Seattle Seahawks."
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mike Dinovo-Imagn ImagesThe Saints could very well keep Kamara. Retaining him for another season could allow flexibility at the running back position. With Etienne as the lead back, the team could have a rested version of Kamara and one that could more easily stay healthy because of the lower volume of carries.
Then there's the possibility of varying personnel packages, which includes two back sets with Kamara and Etienne. Both running backs can catch the ball as well as run it, and having both on the field would force teams to play with a higher volume of linebackers.
With the added linebackers, the two running backs would be able to see mismatches in the passing game and the defense could allocate less help to stop Chris Olave and company over the top at receiver.
There's a chance that the Saints let go of Kamara, but perhaps the best move is to retain him another year/