March 6, 2026, 12:13 p.m. CT
Here’s another free agency rumor linking the New Orleans Saints to Jacksonville Jaguars free agent running back Travis Etienne Jr. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer fielded questions from readers in a mailbag, and when asked about the market for the former first-round pick, had this to say: “Etienne could wind up at over $10 million per year, and could fit with a team like the Saints.” It isn’t the first time New Orleans has come up as a good fit for the Louisiana native.
That would be pricy, but it isn’t unprecedented. It would match what the Minnesota Vikings paid Aaron Jones on his last deal and fall just shy of what Kyren Williams and James Cook got in extensions with their teams. It also wouldn’t stop the Saints from drafting another rusher if the value is there. Their backfield needs fresh legs and big-play ability, and they shouldn’t stop adding new talent even after spending on someone like Etienne.
The 27-year old is already up to 937 career rushing attempts (including the playoffs), plus 177 receptions, so he’s already some miles on his tires before testing the open market. He also averaged the most yards per carry last season since his first year in the NFL. There’s plenty of gas left in the tank. If we’re nearing the end of the road for Alvin Kamara, Etienne would be a good choice to take the wheel.
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