Latest Saints addition could spell bad news for Alvin Kamara

Monday is the beginning of the legal tampering period in NFL free agency, which means players can go ahead and agree to terms with teams. 

Deals can't officially be signed until Wednesday, but most of the big names will be accounted for by then. One of the moves that's already been reported is the New Orleans Saints signing running back Travis Etienne. 

Etienne is getting a big commitment from the Saints and will reportedly sign a four-year, $52 million deal. That's a solid amount of money for a running back, especially when the Saints already have a high-priced running back on the roster in Alvin Kamara. 

Alvin Kamara could be playing elsewhere in 2026

Kamara is a multiple-time Pro Bowler who will go down as a legendary Saint. However, the running back will be 31 this summer and is entering the final year of his deal. 

Kamara has also struggled to remain healthy in his career. The veteran played in 11 games last year and has only played in every game in a season once, all the way back in 2017. 

The perpetually cap-strapped Saints could thus decide to move on from the veteran and give the keys fully to Etienne. Etienne has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of his four NFL seasons and is a quality receiver just like Kamara as well. 

NFL insider Mike Garafolo went as far as to say Alvin Kamara watch "is officially on." If the team wants to move on from Kamara, there will likely be plenty of suitors. 

Despite his age and injury issues, Kamara is still one of the best running backs of his generation. The veteran rushed for 471 yards and one score last season while also catching 33 passes for 186 yards. 

It just seems like Kamar's time in New Orleans has run its course. The Saints now have Etienne as well as 2025 draft pick Devin Neal and former third-rounder Kendre Miller. 

Travis Etienne could help Saints' offense take next step

The Saints saw some encouraging signs from 2025 rookie passer Tyler Shough. To help Shough build off his rookie campaign, the team needs as many weapons as possible. 

Etienne is a versatile running back who has a similar style to Kamara, but is younger and more durable at this point. The Etienne signing also means the team could use its first-round draft pick on a wide receiver to keep improving the offense around Shough. 

In 2025, Etienne rushed for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns while also catching 36 passes for 292 yards and six more scores. 

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