Saints under fire for $52M free agent move originally appeared on The Sporting News Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The New Orleans Saints are high on Tyler Shough’s future through 2025, and as free agency begins, the team appears to be looking to get the most out of Tyler.
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New Orleans’ big move of the day was the team signing Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne to a four-year, $52 million contract.
With Alvin Kamara already on the roster, Etienne’s move was considered a bit strange, but it gives Shaugh two real weapons in the backcourt.
But not everyone agrees with the move.
ESPN’s Seth Walder graded it a “C-” and disliked the signing.
“This appears to be the first time in years that the Saints are entering free agency with some cap space to maneuver,” Wold wrote. “They selected Etienne for a pretty big signing, but it’s not a move I can endorse.
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“Whether the Saints pair Etienne with Kamara, who turns 31 this summer and whose primary skill is catching the ball, or give up on the veteran, remains to be seen. Either way, while Etienne should improve the Saints’ running game, I’m not a fan of this use of capital, especially given his inconsistent history.”
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What Etienne’s signing means for Kamara
The bottom line is that Travis and Alvin may now share the offense.
Kamala has long been the man of the hour in New Orleans. Now, he has a running mate.
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It’s unclear whether the Saints are open to the idea of moving on from Kamara (which might come as a surprise) or whether the team will see the two backs working together in 2026.
But for Etienne’s price, you have to imagine the Saints view him as the focal point of their offense. For a player, you don’t have what it takes to be a second-string player.
What this means for Kamara is unclear, at least for now.