The New Orleans Saints brought in a new top running back to the fold when they signed former Jacksonville Jaguars star Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $52 million contract in free agency.
The team’s incumbent backfield leader – Alvin Kamara – made it clear he is in full support of New Orleans’ decision to add to its backfield.
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Kamara was asked about teaming up with Etienne in a May 4 appearance on Terron Armstead’s “The Set” podcast. Kamara told his former teammate he was “excited” about partnering with Etienne for the 2026 season.
“I’ve watched him in Jacksonville these past couple years,” Kamara said of Etienne. “He’s explosive. He hits home runs. He did it in college. Strong dude, seems smart. I’m excited to see what we can do together.”
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Kamara has largely operated as the Saints’ starter since the team selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. However, the 30-year-old handled a career-low 164 touches across 11 games last season while averaging just 4 yards per touch, which was also a career-worst mark.
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That prompted the Saints to bring in Etienne – a 27-year-old Louisiana native who racked up 1,399 total yards and 13 total touchdowns with the Jaguars last season – to potentially start for the team.
Kamara made it clear he has no issue with New Orleans’ move, and he remains happy to be a Saint.
“I think a lot of people be thinking there’s beef or something when moves like this happen. And it’s like – shoot, man – I couldn’t be happier,” Kamara said. “One, my boy got paid. And two, it ain’t nothing but some help in the backfield. That’s the name of the game. Depth. He got paid and we got help in the backfield. I’m cool with it. One person can’t do it by themselves. So, I’m cool with it, man.”
Kamara didn’t clarify whether he expects to be a starter or if he believes that role will ultimately belong to Etienne.
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He and Armstead discussed the possibility of New Orleans’ new running back duo becoming an effective, two-headed monster, like the one the Saints enjoyed when Kamara and Mark Ingram topped the team’s backfield depth chart.
“I think that’s what we’re trying to find,” Kamara said. “I think me and Mark set the bar very high. That’s what efficiency looks like on a very high level. I’m 100% for it. If that’s the direction we’re going in, I’m with it.”
Soon enough, Saints fans will see exactly how the backfield rotation between Kamara and Etienne pans out. Until then, they can share the excitement their long-time running back has about his new running mate.
“I haven’t had really a chance too much to talk to him, but I’m definitely excited he’s got a ‘fleur-de-lis’ on his helmet,” Kamara said of Etienne.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Alvin Kamara is ‘excited’ to play with Travis Etienne Jr.
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