One analyst questions the Saints' significant investment in Travis Etienne, citing offensive line weaknesses and alternative strategies.
The New Orleans Saints have unequivocally upgraded their running game this offseason. The Saints added two running backs and retained star rusher Alvin Kamara for another season. Some are not as high on what the Saints did.
New Orleans added Travis Etienne as its lead back for the 2026 season. Etienne rushed for over 1,000 yards last year. Clearly, he adds a lot more burst and explosive potential than what the Saints had last season, but not everyone is seeing the move that way.
ESPN NFL analyst Seth Walder is not convinced the move is that impactful, or at least as impactful as the Saints might be hoping for in 2026. Walder graded out the move with a mere C-minus after New Orleans was able to bring him to Louisiana. He gave his thoughts on the addition.
"The Saints need improved play from their running backs on running plays. Alvin Kamara recorded minus-95 rush yards over expected and rookie Devin Neal was at minus-29. Etienne should help, but the bigger driver of running-play success is offensive line play. The Saints ranked 23rd in run block win rate and 30th in yards before contact per carry last season.
It remains to be seen whether the Saints will pair Etienne with Kamara, who turns 31 this summer and whose primary skill is in the receiving game, or move on from the veteran. Either way, though Etienne should improve the Saints' running game, I don't love this usage of their capital, especially considering his inconsistent history. The Saints could have picked up a different back in the draft or free agency who still would have improved their running game but for less cash."
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup. Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThe below-C grade may understate what the Saints were able to do with the move but it does not diminish what New Orleans was able to accomplish with the addition. The Saints offense now adds an elite rusher to take some of the burden of winning with the passing game away from quarterback Tyler Shough as he enters his second NFL season.
The pressure is now off Shough as he looks to lead New Orleans back to the postseason in 2026. The question really is whether or not the Saints should have spent money elsewhere and drafted a running back instead.
New Orleans front office members might have been big fans of Jeremiyah Love, but it's possible they were also aware that he might be gone before the No. 8 pick. For that reason, it's hard to fault the move to add Etienne. The 2026 season will reveal whether or not the Saints' signing made an impact on their postseason prospects.