New Orleans lands explosive playmaker Travis Etienne, bolstering their backfield. This massive signing reshapes their draft strategy and running back depth.
The running back position has been a trendy topic for the New Orleans Saints over the past few weeks. The running back search took a new twist and turn on Monday.
The Saints have added a star running back per NFL insider Jordan Shultz. The insider posted the following to social media.
"BREAKING: The #Saints are signing former #Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr., per sources.
Etienne had over 1,000 rushing yards last season and is electric in the run and pass game. A huge addition."
If you're confused by the signing, you are not alone. The Saints for much of the offseason have been rumored to be after Notre Dame star running back prospect Jeremiyah Love. However, the team's offseason does not indicate New Orleans is putting all its eggs in that basket.
Not long ago, the Saints added veteran star Alvin Kamara back to its roster with an $8 million restructure for the 2026 season. Now the team adds a Bonafide elite starter in Etienne. So, where does that leave the team with its pursuit of the elite Notre Dame prospect?
The knee-jerk reaction is that the team is no longer interested in drafting Love and is making that known loud and clear with the move to get Etienne. And while understandable, that may not be what is going on with the move. The Saints are simply ensuring that the running back position is strong so they can go and draft the best player available. So, the takeaway is that the team can still draft Love, but it does not have to.
The Saints could go out and add Love and lock down a running back room with a still productive Kamara and an elite Etienne alongside the rookie star. Then again, it could be a slight indication of where the team is going even if it is not an intentional statement of exclusion.
The Saints no longer need to draft Love. And while typically teams do not draft to fill needs, the Saints cap situation may dictate that they go after a receiver or edge rusher with the No. 8 pick now that Etienne is in the fold and the running back position is locked down.
In short, the signing is a win no matter how you slice it. The Saints are now set with a proven NFL playmaker at the running back position. We'll see where the team goes from here.