Alvin Kamara officially put an end to the trade rumors, agreeing to a restructured deal that keeps him in New Orleans. The star running back, who turns 31 later this month, had been a constant subject of trade whispers since the middle of the 2025 season. But now he's locked in, meaning the Saints are doubling down on a running back room that just got absolutely stacked, and defenses around the league better be paying attention.
Kamara Stays: A Wild Double Down in the Backfield
Talk about going all in! The Saints made their intentions clear for the upcoming 2026 season. The Kamara trade rumors intensified big time after New Orleans shelled out a massive four-year, $48 million contract, with $28 million guaranteed, to former Jaguars standout Travies Etienne. Imagine that: a five-time Pro Bowler in Kamara, now paired up with a guy like Etienne, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of the last four seasons. Last year, Etienne put up 1,107 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns. Kamara, on the other hand, had a career-low 471 yards on 3.6 yards per carry in 11 games in 2025. It looks like Kamara might be playing "second fiddle" to Etienne in 2026, but let's be real: having two backs of this caliber is a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators. This isn't about one guy carrying the load anymore, it's about a dynamic duo that can grind down defenses and explode for big plays.Saints Go All Out for Tyler Shough
This move for Kamara isn't just about the running game, though. It screams confidence in second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. The Saints have been relentless this offseason, absolutely prioritizing loading up talent around Shough, who went 5-4 in his nine starts last season. Bringing back Kamara ensures Shough has another elite weapon in the backfield, someone who can catch passes and pick up crucial yards. Beyond the running backs, they also snagged David Edwards, one of the top interior offensive linemen in free agency from the Buffalo Bills. In the draft, they went big, taking Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick. Then, in the third round, they added Georgia tight end Oscar Delp, after also signing veteran tight end Noah Fant in free agency. It's a full-court press to support their young quarterback. So, what's next for New Orleans? The investment in Shough is undeniable. With a retooled offensive line, a high-drafted receiver, veteran tight end help, and now the absolute beastly running back tandem of Etienne and Kamara, the Saints' offense is set up to be a force. You've gotta be hyped to see how this all shakes out when the season kicks off. Will this strategy pay off for Shough and the Saints? We're about to find out.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.