The Travis Etienne signing with the New Orleans Saints became one of the biggest running back moves on the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period. The former Jacksonville Jaguars star agreed to a reported four-year, $52 million contract, bringing the Louisiana native back to his home state.
The deal was completed shortly after Kenneth Walker III reportedly agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs. The two signings ensured that the top two running backs from the free agent market found new teams.
Etienne spent four years in Jacksonville after being selected 25th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. His rookie year was cut short after suffering a foot injury in the preseason. Etienne’s return in the 2022 season was enough proof of why the young back was drafted in the first round.
Etienne recorded 1,441 all-purpose yards in his first active season in the league, including 1,125 rushing yards at an incredible clip of 5.1 yards per carry. The young back recorded career-highs of 11 rushing touchdowns and 476 receiving yards in the second year of his career, including over 1,000 rushing yards for the second consecutive year.
However, Etienne had a quiet 2024 campaign. The quiet campaign was followed by an outstanding performance in the 2025 season. Etienne rushed for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns. In addition, Etienne caught six touchdown passes. The outstanding performance helped the team conclude the season with a 13-4 record.
Prior to the NFL, Etienne had an outstanding college career at the Clemson Tigers football team. Etienne was the ACC Player of the Year twice. In addition, Etienne led the ACC in rushing yards once, rushing touchdowns twice, and yards per carry three times. Etienne was also part of the team that won the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship (for the 2018 season).
Etienne will join Alvin Kamara in the backfield for the New Orleans team. Alvin Kamara is a five-time Pro Bowl selection. Alvin had the least productive season of his career and will turn 31 years old before the start of the 2026 season.
This move is also expected to benefit young quarterback Tyler Shough, who had an impressive first year with the team and was later named the team’s starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season.
As a result of this signing, the team may alter their plans regarding their choice with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team had earlier planned to select Jeremiah Love, an impressive running back from Notre Dame Fighting Irish football. However, the team may now consider defense with this signing.
The team may now consider selecting Sonny Styles from Ohio State Buckeyes football. The team needs this position due to the departure of veteran linebacker Demario Davis, who agreed to terms with the New York Jets.
With Etienne now in the lineup, the team is looking to improve their offense while retooling their roster for the 2026 NFL season.
