The New Orleans Saints signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $52 million contract. Alvin Kamara expressed his excitement about teaming up with Etienne for the upcoming season.
Key points
Travis Etienne Jr. signed with the New Orleans Saints
Contract is four years worth $52 million
Alvin Kamara supports the signing
Kamara is excited to team up with Etienne
Kamara praised Etienne's explosive playing style
New Orleans SaintsJacksonville JaguarsTravis Etienne Jr.Alvin Kamara
"I've watched him in Jacksonville these past couple years," Kamara said of Etienne. "He's explosive. He hits home runs. He did it in college. Strong dude, seems smart. I'm excited to see what we can do together."
Kamara has largely operated as the Saints' starter since the team selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. However, the 30-year-old handled a career-low 164 touches across 11 games last season while averaging just 4 yards per touch, which was also a career-worst mark.
That prompted the Saints to bring in Etienne – a 27-year-old Louisiana native who racked up 1,399 total yards and 13 total touchdowns with the Jaguars last season – to potentially start for the team.
Kamara made it clear he has no issue with New Orleans' move, and he remains happy to be a Saint.
"I think a lot of people be thinking there's beef or something when moves like this happen. And it's like – shoot, man – I couldn't be happier," Kamara said. "One, my boy got paid. And two, it ain't nothing but some help in the backfield. That's the name of the game. Depth. He got paid and we got help in the backfield. I'm cool with it. One person can't do it by themselves. So, I'm cool with it, man."
Kamara didn't clarify whether he expects to be a starter or if he believes that role will ultimately belong to Etienne.
He and Armstead discussed the possibility of New Orleans' new running back duo becoming an effective, two-headed monster, like the one the Saints enjoyed when Kamara and Mark Ingram topped the team's backfield depth chart.
"I think that's what we're trying to find," Kamara said. "I think me and Mark set the bar very high. That's what efficiency looks like on a very high level. I'm 100% for it. If that's the direction we're going in, I'm with it."
Soon enough, Saints fans will see exactly how the backfield rotation between Kamara and Etienne pans out. Until then, they can share the excitement their long-time running back has about his new running mate.
"I haven't had really a chance too much to talk to him, but I'm definitely excited he's got a 'fleur-de-lis' on his helmet," Kamara said of Etienne.
