The New Orleans Saints' signing running back Travis Etienne could spell the end for Alvin Kamara in The Bayou.
Asked on Thursday if Kamara was part of his plan for 2026, head coach Kellen Moore deflected the question.
"We'd like to go through that process certainly," he said. "We know Alvin means a lot to us. We're three days in this thing. We've signed Travis, and we'll go through that process."
That's a far cry from coach-speak: He'll be a significant component of our team and our offense.
Adding Etienne as the No. 1 could push Kamara off the roster. Cutting Kamara would result in a chunk of dead money -- less if it's a post-June 1 release. The Saints and Kamara recently restructured his contract using a mechanism that would provide cap flexibility if he's not with the club, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported earlier this month.
In the past, the dual-threat back has said he’d rather retire than play outside of New Orleans. His resolve on that stance could be tested.
Moore was asked if Kamara was considering retirement, to which the second-year coach said he hasn't spoken to the back about that possibility.
"I'm not going to get into all that stuff. Haven't had those conversations anyway," Moore said.
Kamara made Pro Bowls in his first five seasons with the Saints, but his play has been up-and-down the past several seasons, while battling through injuries. Following a 1,493 scrimmage-yard, eight-TD 2024, he played just 11 games in 2025, and generated career-lows in rushing yards (471), receiving yards (186) and TDs (1).
