Report: Saints checking in on RB trade options

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints may not be done in the trade market just yet. After acquiring a new backup center option and a much-needed big-bodied receiver over the span of four days, the New Orleans may be looking for another deal.

Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Saints are among teams that have been making calls and searching for running back talent.

New Orleans currently has seven running backs on its roster: star back Alvin Kamara, veterans Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Velus Jones Jr. and Cam Akers, second-year back Kendre Miller and rookies Devin Neal and Marcus Yarns.

While a couple of those backs behind Kamara have flashed during the preseason, none of them have necessarily jumped off the field as a clear and obvious No. 2 option behind the starter. With another game left to prove someone can separate from the current group, New Orleans could look to other options outside of their facility.

Washington Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr.

There have already been many reports that the Commanders may be looking to talk business around Robinson. The former Alabama Crimson Tide running back has totaled over 700 rushing yards in all three of his pro seasons. He also has 15 rushing touchdowns already in his career along with five receiving scores. 

At 6-foot-1 and 228 pounds, Robinson could be the bruising between-the-tackles rusher that couple complement Kamara well. 

Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne

Similar to Robinson, Etienne is a solid downhill rusher that fits well in an offense that uses some gap scheme rushing, like Saints head coach Kellen Moore’s systems have in the past. Etienne is a two-time 1,000 yard rusher, but has been eclipsed in the Jaguars backfield by Tank Bigsby and the team invested again at his position in this year’s draft, selecting Bhayshul Tuten. The room is crowded. That’s what led to the Denver Broncos trading wide receiver Devaughn Vele to New Orleans. Perhaps the Jaguars and Saints get another deal done this offseason.

Anyone From The Seattle Seahawks RB Room

The standout name here would be running back Kenneth Walker III. He is entering a contract year and is also a part of another crowded room in Seattle. With Zach Charbonnet and Damien Martinez showing strong throughout the preseason in former Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme, Walker could be on the outside looking in. He’s had some health concerns in the past, but has been productive when healthy.