Kellen Moore, head coach of the New Orleans Saints, asserts that ample playing time will be allocated to both tailbacks, Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne.
During the NFL’s league meeting on Monday, Moore addressed reporters and was met with numerous questions concerning the Saints’ approach to utilizing both running backs throughout the current season.
Kamara’s professional trajectory has become a prominent subject of discussion, especially since March 13, when the Saints secured Etienne with a four-year agreement worth $11.8 million each year. Etienne, aged 27, was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars for five seasons, having been chosen as the 25th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
Kamara, who celebrates his 31st birthday on July 25, is in the final year of his recently renegotiated contract, an agreement that stands to compensate him with up to $11.5 million in salary and performance-based incentives this year.
“We are truly thrilled about acquiring Travis. Unquestionably, we hold Alvin in high regard; he is immensely significant to our entire group,” Moore stated. “To reiterate, this involves a comprehensive offseason development. Without a doubt, our sentiment is, ‘He belongs in that unit.’ Specific positions can be identified for each of these distinct players. Our plan is to proceed with the entire offseason regimen, continually fostering the growth and improvement of this squad.”
Kamara concluded a season marked by his lowest career statistics in ground gains (471 yards), scoring runs (one), aerial reception yardage (186 yards), and touchdown catches (zero), having been sidelined for six contests owing to knee and ankle ailments. Furthermore, he was absent from the concluding three matches of the 2024 season because of an injury.
When questioned in early March regarding Kamara’s potential retirement, Moore stated he was “unwilling to delve into such particulars,” clarifying that such discussions with the player had not taken place. He further indicated that the squad intends to “navigate the entire progression” concerning Etienne and Kamara’s joint participation on the field.
Monday’s statements from Moore confirmed that he had not engaged in any recent dialogues with Kamara since the commencement of free agency. Nevertheless, he affirmed, when queried, that the team was operating under the assumption that Kamara would remain part of the squad in 2026.
“Indeed, he is undeniably listed on the team’s official roster and a member of that tailback corps,” Moore explained. “We believe there are methods to strategically deploy all those individuals and place them in numerous scenarios. Once more, considering our previous season and indeed nearly every NFL campaign, a multitude of running backs see action. Evidently, we consider ourselves privileged to have secured Travis through free agency, though substantial effort still lies ahead.”
Kamara experienced two of his most successful seasons while playing alongside fellow running back Mark Ingram. In 2017, the year Kamara earned the title of NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, both players amassed over 1,500 scrimmage yards. During 2018, Kamara, again alongside Ingram, accumulated 1,592 scrimmage yards and a total of 18 scores.
Moore highlighted that the abundance of talent within the tailback unit represents one of its primary advantages. Beyond Kamara and Etienne, the group further comprises Devin Neal, Audric Estime, Kendre Miller, and Ty Chandler, who was recently brought aboard.
“There are numerous distinct approaches we can employ for this,” Moore stated. “Considering how the previous season unfolded, many members of our running back contingent gained valuable experience and saw significant game time. Consequently, it will prove advantageous for us to have several players – specifically three or four – who participated in substantial plays last year, all returning. Adding Travis to this combination then creates an excellent scenario for our squad.”