Alvin Kamara is all in on the New Orleans Saints' latest big move. When the team signed former Jacksonville Jaguars star running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a lucrative four-year, $52 million contract in free agency, many wondered how the veteran backfield leader would react. His answer? Pure excitement.
"I couldn't be happier," Kamara said during a May 4 appearance on former teammate Terron Armstead's "The Set" podcast. The Saints' longtime starter made it clear that adding Etienne isn't just a roster upgrade—it's a partnership he's eagerly anticipating for the 2026 season.
"I've watched him in Jacksonville these past couple years," Kamara explained. "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."
The timing of this addition makes perfect sense. While Kamara has been the Saints' primary back since being drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, last season showed signs of wear. The 30-year-old handled a career-low 164 touches across 11 games, averaging just 4 yards per touch—also a career-worst mark. Bringing in fresh legs was a clear priority.
Enter Etienne, a 27-year-old Louisiana native who knows a thing or two about explosive playmaking. Last season with the Jaguars, he racked up 1,399 total yards and found the end zone 13 times. That kind of production, combined with Kamara's veteran savvy, gives the Saints one of the most intriguing one-two punches in the league.
For fans looking to gear up for what promises to be an electrifying backfield duo, this is the kind of partnership that makes you want to grab a new Saints jersey and hit the turf. Kamara's enthusiasm says it all: the best is yet to come in New Orleans.
