If running backs are devalued, you might not know it from a couple of moves made in Monday’s flurry of activity.
A couple hours after the NFL’s period for contacting free agents started, the New Orleans Saints agreed to a deal with running back Travis Etienne Jr. that is worth $52 million over four years, according to NFL Media. That came shortly after the Chiefs signed running back Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $45 million deal.
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Etienne and Walker are good players but not considered on the elite tier at the position. Now they’re both being paid among the best in the NFL. Before Monday, only five backs in the NFL had contracts worth more than $13 million a year, which is what Etienne got.
The signing likely signals the end of the Alvin Kamara era in New Orleans. It also likely eliminates the Saints from consideration to take running back Jeremiyah Love in the NFL Draft. The Saints were one of the teams that was considered a potential landing spot for Love at eighth overall, though Love might not last that long after an electric workout at the NFL scouting combine.
What the Saints get in Etienne is a consistently productive and versatile back. Etienne had 5,136 yards from scrimmage in four seasons with the Jaguars. He also had 168 receptions as one of the better receiving backs in the NFL. Etienne had a strong 2025 as a runner, rushing for 1,107 yards on 4.3 yards per carry.
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Etienne will also be running behind guard David Edwards, who agreed to a four-year, $61 million deal with the Saints on Monday, according to ESPN.
The Saints needed a running back, and since quarterback Tyler Shough is on his rookie deal they could afford a luxury signing like Etienne. New Orleans was better than expected last season and while there are still holes on the roster, Etienne will help the offense.
It’s not a bargain deal by any means, but the Saints have never been shy about spending regardless of their cap situation. And Etienne will help a young quarterback and the offense as a whole.
Grade: B-