Saints land first major addition, signing RB Travis Etienne

By Ross Jackson

The first big signing on the New Orleans Saints’ free agent class appears to be set, adding a major talent in the team’s running back room.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Saints are expected to sign Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne once the new league year is under way on Wednesday.

The NFL is in the thick of its negotiating period where contracts can be agreed upon, but cannot be finalized or be made official until free agency officially opens. That will be Wednesday, March 11. 

While there’s always a chance for players to reverse course, Etienne is a Jennings, LA native who now gets his chance to return home to the state of Louisiana. A pretty good deal for him.

Saints are giving Travis Etienne a 4-year, $52M deal, per source. https://t.co/aREXhLavow

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026

The agreement comes out to an average of $13 million per year, right below the agreement the Kansas City Chiefs agreed upon for Seattle Seahawks back Kenneth Walker III.

Etienne joins a running back room in search of a boost alongside veteran star Alvin Kamara.

The former Clemson back has put together three 1,000-yard rushing seasons through his first four years. Last year, he finished the season with 13 total touchdowns, seven on the ground and six through the air while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. 

As a team last year, the Saints averaged just 3.7 yards per carry and ran for just nine scores. 

The signing of Etienne likely takes the Saints out of the market for Notre Dame runner Jeremiyah Love, who may be off the board by the time New Orleans picks at No. 8 anyway. In the very least, it makes the Saints’ desire to revitalize its run game all the more attainable without having to wait for the draft.

Etienne will provide a boost to the ground game, but also through the air with his ability as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. He’ll be a strong weapon to add around young quarterback Tyler Shough.