Travis Etienne, a running back with five years of NFL experience, has officially signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints. Etienne was originally a first-round draft pick who spent his entire professional career with the Jacksonville Jaguars before making this move. This signing marks a significant step for both Etienne and the Saints as they prepare for the upcoming seasons.
Career Highlights and Performance Under New Coaches
Etienne’s 2025 season stands out as a peak in his career, bolstered by new head coach Liam Coen’s strategy, which maximized his talents on the field. Playing in all 17 games that year, Etienne accumulated 1,107 rushing yards and scored seven touchdowns on 260 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt. In addition, he caught 36 passes for 292 yards and six receiving touchdowns. The Jaguars clinched the AFC South title and hosted a postseason game, though their playoff run ended abruptly after a close defeat to the Buffalo Bills.
Early Career and Recovery from Injury
Drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Etienne joined the Jacksonville Jaguars alongside Clemson teammate Trevor Lawrence. His rookie season, however, was derailed before it began due to a foot injury that sidelined him for the entire year. During that time, the Jaguars struggled greatly, resulting in the firing of head coach Urban Meyer and earning the first overall pick in the following draft.
Consistent Contributions and Team Impact
Etienne made a strong return in 2021 under head coach Doug Pederson, playing every game and rushing for 1,125 yards with five touchdowns on 220 attempts. Jacksonville rebounded as a team, winning a postseason matchup before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round. His 2023 season further demonstrated his abilities, with 1,008 rushing yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns, although the Jaguars missed the playoffs following a late-season decline. Over his career so far, Etienne has appeared in 66 games, starting 60, with cumulative rushing yards of 3,798 and 25 total touchdowns.
Looking Ahead: Etienne’s Role with the Saints and Team Outlook
Etienne’s acquisition by the New Orleans Saints signals a promising offensive addition, though it raises questions about the future of incumbent running back Alvin Kamara. With Etienne’s proven performance and resilience, the Saints are likely to reshape their backfield strategy. Fans and analysts will be closely watching how this move influences the team’s dynamics and overall success in upcoming seasons.
BREAKING: The #Saints are signing former #Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr., per sources.
Etienne had over 1,000 rushing yards last season and is electric in the run and pass game. A huge addition. pic.twitter.com/qahU2gp9YD
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 9, 2026
