The New Orleans Saints made a significant move by signing former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year contract worth $52 million. This transaction happened during free agency in March, sparking speculation about Alvin Kamara’s future with the team. However, reports of Kamara’s departure were premature.
According to Mike Garafolo, Alvin Kamara’s agent, Brad Cicala, confirmed that a new deal was agreed upon for his client. This announcement followed earlier reports suggesting an imminent agreement. Cicala stated, “Alvin’s goal, and the team’s goal, was for him to remain with the Saints and retire a Saint.”
Kamara, now 30, is approaching his 10th NFL season after being drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. A five-time Pro Bowler, Kamara is known for his dual threat as both a runner and receiver. He holds the record for the most career rushing yards and touchdowns in Saints’ history, with 7,250 yards and 61 touchdowns respectively.
The 2025 season was challenging for Kamara, who suffered from ankle and knee injuries that limited him to 11 games and ended his season after Week 12. His total of 471 yards and one touchdown on 131 carries marked career lows.
With Travis Etienne Jr. joining the ranks, the responsibility for productivity shifts in part to him. Meanwhile, second-year head coach Kellen Moore is expected to deploy Kamara creatively to maximize his contribution. Kamara expressed confidence in the strategy, recalling past successful partnerships with other talented backs.
“We’ve done it here before,” Kamara stated during the Saints’ Organized Team Activities, according to ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. He elaborated on how having two skilled backs benefits the team, making it more challenging for opposing defenses to prepare.
The Saints’ offense now brims with talent. Quarterback Tyler Shough was a contender for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson was selected with the No. 8 overall pick and will join forces with star receiver Chris Olave. In the NFC South, New Orleans aims for a playoff appearance, a goal not reached since the 2020 season.