In the 2023 NFL draft, the New Orleans Saints used a third round choice on TCU Horned Frogs running back Kendre Miller. TCU had just made a run to the national championship game behind Miller’s 1,399 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Miller was the fourth back drafted that year behind Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Zach Charbonnet.

As a rookie, Miller was expected to provide a 1-2 backfield punch behind starter Alvin Kamara. It was an area that was lacking for the Saints since the first departure of Mark Ingram. He flashed both power and explosiveness as a rookie, but only appeared in eight games because of various injuries. In those eight contests, Miller played more than 10 offensive snaps in only four, rushing for a total of 156 yards with 10 receptions for 117 yards.

Advertisement

Injuries again hampered Miller in his second year and landed him in the doghouse of then-coach Dennis Allen. He’d appear in only six games and had 148 rushing yards with another 33 as a receiver. With the offseason coaching change to Kellen Moore, it was hoped that Miller could finally stay on the field and realize his vast potential.

Kendre Miller Year in Review

NFL experience: 3 years (with Saints)

In an encouraging sign, Miller emerged from a productive preseason healthy. He also saw regular kickoff return duties for the first time in his career, and would average 25 yards per return in that role. Out of the backfield, you could make a legitimate argument that Miller was more effective than Alvin Kamara in Kellen Moore’s offense. Albeit in limited touches, Miller had 193 rushing yards through seven games and averaged a team-best 4.1 per carry.

Just as Miller looked as if he was turning a corner, he was once again halted by injury. A torn ACL against the Bears in Week 7. Miller’s year was ended after playing in a career-high seven straight ball games. While Miller showed the potential to be successful in Kellen Moore’s offense, the ongoing frustration of him not being available continued.Kendre Miller will be coming into the final year of his rookie contract in 2026. He has a lot to prove. Miller has only played in 21 of a possible 51 games over his three NFL seasons. For a Saints team that needs to improve at running back next season, it may be too much of a gamble to count on Miller to be avaliable.

Advertisement

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints 2025 Year in Review: Injuries again derailed Kendre Miller