According to John Shipley of Sports Illustrated, the team is perfectly fine with letting their running back room as it is. This means Bhayshul Tuten will replace Travis Etienne as the starter, while newly-signed Chris Rodriguez will serve as the backup.

Etienne himself is going to see his snaps shared with Alvin Kamara in New Orleans. Still, it’s somewhat surprising to see the Jaguars content with what they have right now, given how important was Etienne for them last season.

Tuten is poised for a breakout season

Tuten had 83 attempts for 307 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie season. The fact is that was enough for head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone to convince them to give Tuten the spotlight.

To be fair to Tuten, he is a strong, powerful runner who is very hard to bring down. However, he is not as elusive or as swift as Etienne is. This is a golden opportunity for him to prove his worth.

The Jaguars are not done

Jacksonville has signed just one free agent this season, but he was notoriously busy after the draft last year. According to Shipley, this year could be the same as he reported that the Jaguars will be “swinging this offseason.”

“It just makes it better for both of us,” Etienne said during an appearance on The Jim Rome Show. “Every time we’re out there, we want to feel fresh. It keeps the defense on their toes. They’ve gotta worry about two guys instead of one. I feel like it’s only gonna make the team better.”

The NFC South used to be one of the most balanced divisions last season. The Saints, with this duo of running backs, aim to break the mold and steamroll everyone heading into the upcoming season.

Will Kamara remain a Saint?

Alvin Kamara’s status with the New Orleans Saints is currently on high alert as the team evaluates his future for the 2026 season. Despite a recent contract restructure that lowered his cap hit to approximately $10.5 million, the front office is reportedly considering further adjustments, including a potential pay cut or even a roster cut.

A lethal backfield in New Orleans

In the 2025 season, Travis Etienne Jr. established himself as a workhorse, rushing for 1,107 yards and 7 touchdowns on 260 carries, while adding 292 receiving yards and 6 scores through the air. In contrast, Alvin Kamara saw a more limited role in 11 games, finishing the year with 471 rushing yards, 186 receiving yards, and one total touchdown on the ground.

More ground options for Moore

The Saints’ running back room is full of talent. In addition to the aforementioned Etienne and Kamara, the depth chart is complemented by the following players:

• Kendre Miller
• Devin Neal
• Ty Chandler
• Audric Estime
• Evan Hull

“He’s certainly on the roster and part of the running back room,” the head coach said to reporters from the league meeting in Arizona. “We feel like there’s ways to manipulate all of those guys and put them in plenty of situations.

“Plenty of running backs play. Obviously we feel fortunate that we were able to acquire Travis in free agency, but there’s still a lot of work there to be had out there.”

What is Kamara’s current situation in NOLA?

Financially, the Saints recently restructured Kamara’s contract using the “50 percent rule,” a move that cleared over $8 million in cap space for 2026 without adding future guaranteed debt. This flexibility allows the front office to keep the franchise icon for the upcoming season or move on after June 1 with minimal dead money—a decision that remains a “full offseason process” as the team balances veteran leadership with younger talent.

Teams eyeing the Saints’ gem

The Denver Broncos are widely considered the favorites due to Kamara‘s history with Sean Payton, while the Washington Commanders and Jacksonville Jaguars (who just lost Etienne) have been identified as suitors in need of a versatile, veteran pass-catcher. Other dark-horse candidates include the Baltimore Ravens, who could pair him with Derrick Henry, and the Seattle Seahawks, who are seeking backfield depth following Zach Charbonnet’s injury and Kenneth Walker’s departure.

New Orleans’ intriguing backfield

Kellen Moore will have the privilege of fielding a highly dangerous ground game to support Tyler Shough. Behind the aforementioned Kamara and Etienne, these are the RBs who will represent the Gold and Black in 2026.

• Kendre Miller
• Devin Neal
• Ty Chandler
• Audric Estime
• Evan Hull

Speaking to the press, Etienne said, “Tyler, he’s a great person, talking with him and being with him last night, you can sense the hunger, you can sense that he wants it for the city as well.” Now, the Super Bowl is everybody’s dream, though the Saints have still ways to go before that.

Etienne said that watching Shough improve down the stretch was a key factor to sign with his hometown team. He said it “definitely was a factor.” However, going back to his hometown was the primary motivation.

Shough was the rookie with most wins at the QB position

Shough had more wins than Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. However, while he impressed more than anyone thought, there are still some doubts around what he can produce long term.

Shough had a 5-4 record, completing 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He became very effective under the Kellen Moore scheme. Now, he must avoid the feared sophomore slump.

The NFC South is there for the taking

The NFC South was won by the Panthers last year with an 8-9 record. The Buccaneers also finished 8-9 and their head coach is on the hot seat. Hence, if the Saints keep improving, they might be able to return to the NFL Playoffs.

While Kellen Moore didn’t speak on Alvin Kamara’s future, the message for the new faces coming in is clear now. According to Moore,“I think if there’s a theme, a bunch of high-character guys, guys that we love in this locker room, that are going to be great teammates, great people in this community, and obviously we certainly recognize the ability for them to perform on the field. It’ll be a lot of fun.”

And the Saints really need those kinds of guys. After a dreadful start to the 2025 NFL season, they started to show character and glimpses of a good future down the stretch. Hence, bringing more productive, high-character guys could boost this team to new heights.

Etienne is coming off a career-resurgence year

After having two 1,000-yard seasons, Etienne‘s third year in the NFL was very worrisome. He basically cut his production in half and had only two touchdowns. It was not a great look. However, with the arrival of Liam Coen as the Jaguars head coach, Etienne was once again a deadly threat.

He resurfaced as a top-tier back with 1,399 scrimmage yards and a career-high 13 total touchdowns. Now, the Saints get a young, dual-threat back to keep the production going. After Alvin Kamara, having Etienne means the playbook basically remains the same.

Etienne might be the best thing to happen to Tyler Shough

Tyler Shough overcame expectations last year. No one had really much to hope for with Shough. However, he started nine games and had a 5-4 record, completing 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Still, Shough needs help. He doesn’t have the best arm and he wants to take care of the ball. Hence, having a weapon that can catch passes from the backfield is just a gift from heaven. Also, Kellen Moore is a highly effective playcaller, so he can easily draw some productive plays for the two.

“Uhhh, I’m not going to get into all of that stuff. I haven’t had those conversations, anyways,” Kellen Moore admitted during a press conference when asked about Alvin Kamara possibly eyeing retirement, via @UnderdogNFL on X.

Kamara is signed to a contract through the 2026 NFL season. If the running back and organization both want to make it happen, Kamara can stay with the Saints for another year, though sharing the backfield with Etienne.

However, the latest half-back addition may signal New Orleans is steering in a different direction. Moore’s offense may not be big enough to accommodate both stars. Perhaps, there’s a new sheriff in “The Big Easy”.

Etienne’s signing could spell trouble for Kamara

Signing Etienne to a four-year, $52 million contract allowed the Saints to breathe a sigh of relief. However—unless Kamara made it known he’s considered stepping away from the NFL—it also puts Kamara on notice.

Etienne may not be as threatening as Kamara is on a receiving back role, but he can still make magic happen. Moreover, Etienne is younger, faster, and—most importantly—less injury-prone than Kamara. So far in his four-season career, Etienne has only missed two games.

As for Kamara, injuries have caused him to miss 23 regular season games. Kamara only managed to stay healthy through his rookie season (2017). Since, he’s missed at least one game every year. It’s not like “AK41” has dealt with a recurring issue, either. Instead, he has come down with several, different injuries, such as concussions, knee and ankle sprains, and rib fractures, per Sportskeeda.

Etienne made the decision to leave the Jaguars after five seasons, embracing a new chapter of his NFL career. He headed to the New Orleans Saints after they signed him to a four-year deal worth up to $52 million, boosting the Saints’ RB depth chart—which already includes Alvin Kamara.

Lawrence shared his thoughts on the news through social media, as NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed. “We’ve come a long way!! Going to miss you man. Been a hell of an 8 year run. Best is yet to come,” Lawrence wrote.

Lawrence and Etienne were teammates throughout their entire college careers at Clemson Tigers football from 2018 to 2020 before entering the NFL in 2021. They later played together as full-time starters for four straight seasons, helping the Jaguars reach the playoffs twice during that span. Both players emerged as key figures during those years, developing strong chemistry as an offensive duo.

The Lawrence and Etienne duo

Etienne leaves behind a significant gap in the Jaguars’ running back unit after serving as the full-time starter from 2021 to 2025. This past season, he started in all but one game, recording 260 rushes for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns, while also adding 36 receptions for 292 yards and six touchdowns.

Jacksonville finished the 2025 NFL season with a 12-5 record, winning the AFC South Division title. The Jaguars finished ahead of the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. In the AFC standings, they placed third, finishing ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Texans, while sitting behind the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos.

As insider Jordan Schultz reported, the Saints have signed Travis Etienne Jr, who became a free agent after his stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Etienne Jr. is now joining Kamara and company on a New Orleans team that is eyeing the next step in its rebuild.

Etienne is now joining a running back room in NOLA that features Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, and Audric Estime, via ESPN. At least one of them will have to make way for Etienne Jr when the 2026 NFL season gets underway.

Jaguars depth chart at RB

As for the Jaguars, in less than a year they have parted ways with what many expected to be their one-two punch for a long time. Trading Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles last season and letting Etienne walk as an unrestricted free agent before the 2026 NFL campaign, Liam Coen will be commanding a very different half back’s room.

As listed on ESPN, the Jaguars’ running back options feature Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr., and DeeJay Dallas. Based on where it currently stands, Jacksonville could be a name to watch in the HB market both during free agency and in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Etienne Jr. contract details

According to Adam Schefter, the Saints have handed Etienne Jr. a four-year contract worth $52 million. Thus, Etienne is set to make an average of $13 million per season. Etienne could prove crucial for New Orleans, who last year witnessed an injury bug deplete its running back room, watching Kamara, Miller, and Neal all go down.

Moreover, Travis Etienne is now joining the NFC South, where his younger brother, Trevor Etienne, plays for the Carolina Panthers. The Etienne household may need to start making reservations as the siblings will face each other twice during the 2026 campaign.

After 15 seasons repping the Saints jersey, 8x Pro Bowler and former first-team All Pro defensive end, Cameron Jordan, will be a free agent, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 36-year-old has been a leader of this team and has also been the most reliable defensive force on the team for more than a decade.

Tyler Shough showed glimpses of talent, yet the Saints didn’t have what one would call a great offense. Now, the unit will be under duress, since the defense is less likely to give room for error. Shough will also have to be less mistake-prone when playing.

Cameron Jordan is old but gold, cheaper than Maxx Crosby

Despite being a veteran already, Cameron Jordan has nothing to envy in regards of other pass-rushers on the market. For instance, the biggest pass-rusher that could move is Maxx Crosby. Well, Jordan has an argument to say his 2025 season was better than Crosby’s. You can see their stats in the infographic below.

As Jordan said it himself, he is not asking for “top dollar” paychecks, he just wants to “be valued.” More than one team should look at him and give him a decent contract to elevate its pass rush. Especially a contender, Jordan brings elite experience and high football IQ, joined by great production.

Jordan provides more than just a pass rush

While Jordan’s primary goal would be to get to opposing quarterbacks, bringing a leader of men like him is what any team dreams of, especially at a premium pricetag. Jordan is a very well-respected name in the NFL, and he just had his best season since his Pro Bowl campaign in 2022.

Jordan has never won a Super Bowl, but with 132 career-sacks, he will finally leave the Saints in search of that all-elusive ring. Bear in mind, a Super Bowl with him being a prominent force would put him in Hall of Fame conversations, so whoever signs him will get a motivated guy, not a journeyman.

Darnell Mooney played two seasons with the Falcons and he recorded 1,435 yards and six touchdowns. He also had 96 receptions for the team. During his six years in the NFL, Mooney has averaged 13+ yards per catch four times.

The Chiefs need a deep threat, and Mooney is four years younger than Tyreek Hill, for instance. Mooney is a very solid player, and while not a bonafide star, Patrick Mahomes could do wonders with Mooney. It would allow the quarterback to launch his throws downfield with purpose.

Other teams on the lookout could be…

New Orleans lost Rashid Shaheed on the trade deadline last season, and the Saints ended on a high note. However, the Saints do need to bring someone that can be that speedy guy to not become predictable. However, Tyler Shough is not one to have an arm to launch it down, but Mooney is still great outside numbers.

Also, if the Indianapolis Colts don’t end up re-signing Alec Pierce, Mooney is a premium replacement. With all that in mind, Mooney will have a market and the sweepstakes might land him quite a good amount of money.

Mooney has plenty of quality

While the Chiefs already discarded one Super Bowl champion, Mooney will bring a cheaper contract and a credible threat. In fact, he is regarded as a very good vertical receiver in the NFL.

According to PFF, he kept a top-15 deep receiving grade throughout the 2025 season. Mooney is not only a fast player (he recorded a 4.38 40-yard dash), but also is very skilled to create separation between him and defenders.

Prior to the 2025 NFL season, Carr informed the Saints that he would retire from football. A few months later, the veteran quarterback appears eager to return, but only if a legitimate Super Bowl contender shows interest.

However, there is bad news for the signal-caller. According to Mike Florio of NBC, not only have the Saints not received an offer from a contender, they have not received any offer at all to acquire Carr’s rights.

Derek Carr may have to lower his standards

During this offseason, Carr has repeatedly stated that he wants another chance to win a Super Bowl. However, that opportunity may not come as a starting quarterback, as he likely hopes.

At the moment, true Super Bowl contenders do not have pressing needs at quarterback — which is part of the reason they are contenders. On top of that, Carr has not played in over a year, and his last season was far from his best.

As things stand, Carr seems to have three options: remain retired, join a Super Bowl contender as a backup, or sign with a team that has potential and attempt to turn it into a contender with his arrival.

Following news of his possible return, rumors linked him to multiple teams. Some reports even suggested he could have competed with Aaron Rodgers for a spot with the Minnesota Vikings. However, it now appears that teams are either not interested or unwilling to offer him the role he expects.

Derek Carr needs the Saints’ help

When Carr informed the Saints of his retirement decision, the NFC South franchise placed him on the reserve/retired list. That designation means New Orleans still holds his rights, and any interested team must negotiate with the Saints to acquire him.

One possible reason no team has inquired about Carr is the potential cost. Franchises may be unwilling to surrender a draft pick or player in exchange for a quarterback coming out of retirement.

For that reason, Carr may need to approach the Saints’ front office to explore the possibility of a release, which would clear a simpler path for him to sign with any team willing to take a chance on his comeback.