The New Orleans Saints are making a major change in their backfield. After Alvin Kamara was their main running back for several years, the Saints are bringing in some fresh legs in the form of Travis Etienne Jr.. It’s likely the end of an era for Kamara and the beginning of the new era of Kellen Moore’s full offense.
NFL World Reacts to Travis Etienne Jr. Signing
Etienne spent the first four years of his career with the Jaguars before deciding to move closer to home with the Saints. Etienne is from Louisiana and will be playing for his home state’s team after agreeing to a four-year, $52 million deal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
NFL insider Ralph Vacchiano sees Etienne’s homecoming as the beginning of the end for Kamara in New Orleans.
“Farewell to Alvin Kamara?” said Vacchiano.
Farewell to Alvin Kamara? …. https://t.co/tci60ZBGRS
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) March 9, 2026
Kamara has been outstanding in his time with the Saints, providing them with steady running back play and great pass-catching ability. Now, he’s aging, and his production is dropping.
“The Alvin Kamara era is over, Travis Etienne is a Saint,” said NFL social media personality Bengal.
The Alvin Kamara era is over
Travis Etienne is a Saint https://t.co/vnjCZkSYxQ— Bengal (@BengalYouTube) March 9, 2026
Etienne is moving on from his own personal era with Trevor Lawrence. The two players have been teammates since Clemson and have remained teammates with the Jaguars in the NFL. It’s been eight years since they were teammates, as they were both selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
“Etienne’s 8-year run with Trevor Lawrence will officially come to an end. He heads back home,” said Jaguars reporter Demetrius Harvey.
Etienne’s 8-year run with Trevor Lawrence will officially come to an end. He heads back home. https://t.co/JHjwZt9RxL
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) March 9, 2026
Etienne is going from a familiar setting in the backfield with Lawrence to another familiar setting where he’s playing as close to home as possible. While Etienne cares about playing near home, others are analyzing whether the move makes sense for New Orleans. Former NFL QB Dan Orlovsky seems to think so.
“I like this for N.O.,” said Orlovsky.
I like this for N.O
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 9, 2026
Etienne bounced back from a weak 2024 with his third 1,000+ yard rushing season of his four-year career. Uniquely, Kamara never achieved that feat for the Saints in his nine seasons.
Kamara’s value came from being able to be a pass catcher and a runner, which is now slowing down, opening the door for Etienne’s explosive rushing prowess to be pursued by New Orleans.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
