The arrival of Travis Etienne has raised doubts about the future of Alvin Kamara with the New Orleans Saints. Cam Jordan is currently a free agent, but his return has not been ruled out. What could alter their fate? The decisions that will be made in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
“I think that it could impact it,” Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis said, via Jeff Nowak of WWL. “You know, we’ll see what happens, and that goes both ways, it could impact them, from their perspective as well as ours.”
Likewise, Loomis will wait until the end of the draft to resolve the situation of these two players. “Those are two-way questions, right. They have things that they have to determine and we do, too, so we’ll see what happens after the draft.”
Alvin Kamara’s current situation
Alvin Kamara remains on the New Orleans Saints’ roster for the 2026 season following a strategic contract restructure in March that lowered his cap hit to approximately $10.5 million. While the arrival of Travis Etienne has fueled speculation about Kamara’s long-term future, head coach Kellen Moore has publicly supported a tandem backfield approach.
Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints.
Is his future in New Orleans guaranteed? No. However, many believe the coach could manage to pair Kamara and Etienne to create one of the most explosive backfields in the NFC.
Jordan doesn’t rule out a return to the Saints
Cameron Jordan remains one of the most high-profile free agents on the market after his contract with the New Orleans Saints officially voided in March. Despite being 36 years old, the veteran defensive end proved he is still a force to be reckoned with after recording 10.5 sacks last season.
While Jordan has publicly expressed his desire to retire as a Saint, he has also emphasized that “the cents have to make sense,” indicating that he is looking for a contract that reflects his production and role rather than just a sentimental veteran minimum.
Cameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints.
What decision will the Saints make?
Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Saints must prioritize defensive reinforcements and offensive playmakers to support second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. With the 8th overall pick, the team is heavily linked to elite pass rushers like Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey, or standout defensive backs like Caleb Downs and Mansoor Delane to shore up the secondary.
Moving into the second round at No. 42, the front office should target defensive line depth or a versatile linebacker such as Jacob Rodriguez. Finally, at No. 73 in the third round, adding a dynamic wide receiver like Elijah Sarratt or a physical offensive lineman would provide the necessary depth to balance Kellen Moore’s offensive scheme and ensure the team remains competitive in the NFC South.
