Saints' loaded backfield gears up for a dual-threat attack. Moore reveals how Etienne and Kamara will share carries, maximizing talent.
The New Orleans Saints have a situation in their running back room. The situation entails finding a way to utilize all the running backs in their system after the team brought back star running back Alvin Kamara and signed Travis Etienne in free agency.
Many have speculated on whether or not Kamara will be part of the team next season. According to head coach Kellen Moore, the team plans to find carries for both players.
Saints' insider Katherine Terrell of ESPN detailed what the Saints' plan is for getting carries to New Orleans' loaded running back room. Terrell recorded head coach Kellen Moore's thoughts on how they will allocate the carries and if Kamara was in the Saints' plans.
"Well yeah, he's certainly on the roster and part of that running back room. We feel like there's ways you can manipulate all those guys and put them in plenty of situations, again, look at our season last year, look at probably just about every NFL season. Plenty of running backs play. Obviously, we feel fortunate that we were able to acquire Travis in free agency, but there's still a lot of work to be had out there.
There's a lot of different ways we can do this. Our running back room, with the way last season went, a lot of those guys got experience, a lot of those guys played football. And so, it's going to be a benefit for us that we've got a few guys, three or four guys that played meaningful snaps last year that are all coming back. And then you throw Travis into the mix and it's a great situation for us."
New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore speaks to the referee after a flag on the play during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome. Matthew Hinton-Imagn ImagesThe Saints have to figure out how to allocate those carries. Certainly, you want to get the most out of a free agent signing like Etienne. It's especially the case when you consider Etienne was the primary impact signing of free agency. The 1,000-yard rusher could easily duplicate the same production with New Orleans this season.
Then again, the Saints would probably like to balance giving enough carries with keeping Etienne fresh. Kamara affords the team that possibility. The dual threat running back, an adept runner and pass catcher, could thrive in a change of pace role where he comes in with less volume of carries required. Kamara's injury risk could decrease.
The Saints may seem to have a tough running back situation on the outside, but it does not appear they view it that way. They will look to make the most of the talent they have on hand when they take the field in 2026.