Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:31pm

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The New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms with free agent running back Travis Etienne, a Louisiana native who played four productive seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Etienne, a first-round draft pick in 2021, is coming off three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons and has established himself as one of the NFL’s most versatile young running backs.

Why it matters

Etienne’s signing represents a homecoming for the Jennings, Louisiana native, who will now get to play for his hometown team. The Saints are hoping Etienne can provide a boost to their running game and complement star quarterback Derek Carr, who the team signed in free agency this offseason.

The details

Etienne was a first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 and went on to have a highly productive four-year career, racking up 3,798 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. He also proved to be a threat in the passing game, with 168 receptions for 1,338 yards and seven touchdowns. Etienne is one of only four players since 2022 to have over 3,700 rushing yards and 1,300 receiving yards.

Etienne was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.Etienne played four seasons with the Jaguars from 2021-2024.Etienne agreed to terms with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent in March 2026.
The players

Travis Etienne

A native of Jennings, Louisiana, Etienne was a highly productive running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2021-2024 before signing with his hometown New Orleans Saints in 2026.

Mickey Loomis

The Executive Vice President and General Manager of the New Orleans Saints, who announced the team’s signing of Travis Etienne.

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What they’re saying

“We’re excited to welcome Travis Etienne back home to Louisiana. He’s proven himself to be one of the most dynamic young running backs in the NFL, and we believe he can be a great fit in our offense.”

— Mickey Loomis, Executive Vice President and General Manager, New Orleans Saints (statenews.net)

What’s next

Etienne is expected to join the Saints for their offseason program and training camp as he looks to make an immediate impact in his hometown.

The takeaway

The Saints’ signing of Travis Etienne represents a homecoming for the talented young running back, who now gets to play for the team he grew up rooting for. Etienne’s versatility and production in the NFL make him an exciting addition to the Saints’ offense as they look to build on their success and compete for a championship.