Kellen Moore continues to work on the New Orleans Saints’ rushing attack, and running back Alvin Kamara is in focus following the signing of Travis Etienne Jr. Moore endured a difficult first season as the team’s head coach, finishing 6-11 as he worked to implement his system.
With a supportive front office that signed Etienne this offseason, Moore aims to enter the 2026 campaign with momentum.
Kellen Moore Discusses Alvin Kamara’s Role After Travis Etienne Jr. Signing
The Saints signed Etienne in March to a four-year, $52 million deal. The move marks a significant pay increase for the former Jacksonville Jaguars standout, who entered free agency after playing out his rookie contract.
The signing has implications for veteran Alvin Kamara, who has spent his entire nine-year career with the franchise. As injuries have started to catch up with the running back, the Saints began considering the future of the backfield prior to Etienne’s arrival.
While the NFL owners’ meetings continue, Moore was asked about the current situation in the Saints’ backfield. “Moore said again ‘they’ll go through the whole offseason process’ regarding Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne,” ESPN Saints reporter Katherine Terrell tweeted. “Said you can find a role for everyone, said if you look around every NFL team ‘plenty of running backs play.’ He said they’re similar players in terms of explosiveness.”
Moore said again “they’ll go through the whole offseason process” regarding Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne. Said you can find a role for everyone, said if you look around every NFL team “plenty of running backs play.” He said they’re similar players in terms of explosiveness
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) March 30, 2026
Having Kamara and Etienne in the same backfield provides versatility. Kamara, now 30, still possesses the skill set to add value to the offense. Etienne was among the top running back free agents this offseason, offering dual-threat ability to run through tackles and beat pass coverage.
“Kellen Moore still used some vague terms to describe Alvin Kamara’s situation, saying, ‘this is a full offseason process,'” New Orleans Football’s Mike Triplett reported. “But when pressed, he said, ‘He’s certainly on the roster and part of that running back room. There’s ways you can manipulate all of those guys (at RB).'”
Etienne played for the Jaguars in 2025, recording 260 carries for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns (61.7 PFSN RB Impact). He also added 36 receptions for 292 yards and six scores.
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“Kellen Moore on Alvin Kamara and if he expects him to be on the roster this year: ‘He’s certainly on the roster and part of the running back room. We feel fortunate that we were able to acquire Travis (Etienne). But there’s a lot of work there to be had. … It’s a great situation for us,'” NFL columnist Jeff Duncan posted.
With an offense looking stronger, it will be interesting to see what Moore produces in his second year.
