Alvin Kamara’s workload might not have only been lessened with Travis Etienne’s signing. It could be completely shut down.
With the Saints’ signing of Etienne Monday, some have speculated whether Kamara could simply retire instead of New Orleans trading him or splitting carries with Etienne.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter wrote in a post on X that there are “questions around the league” regarding Kamara’s potential to be traded. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport went an extra step and contemplated the possibility of retirement.
“I think it’s fair to say some have wondered whether or not he would walk away from the game and end up sipping a Mai Thai on the beach,” Rapoport said Monday.
Fans took to social media to express their opinions on the matter. One said that Kamara would “retire before playing for another organization,” while another added, “Kamara leaving New Orleans would feel wrong.”
The Saints signed former Jaguars running back Etienne to a four-year, $52 million deal Monday for an average annual salary of $13 million. For reference, Kamara signed a two-year, $24.5 million extension in October 2024 that extends through the 2026 season.
Etienne had a bounce-back year in 2025 following a dreadful 2024 campaign. He finished with 1,107 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns, helping the Jaguars win the AFC South.
Prior to his dip in 2024, Etienne had hit 1,000 yards in both of his first two seasons in the league and added 11 touchdowns on the ground in 2023.
In his nine years in the NFL, Kamara has been phenomenal as well. Beginning in 2017, he made the Pro Bowl in his first five seasons, including winning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, but hasn’t been named to the roster since that stretch.
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Kamara, known for his pass-catching ability out of the backfield, has yet to eclipse the 1,000 rushing yard plateau. But he has hit 800 yards five times and scored at least 18 scrimmage touchdowns in 2018 and 2020.
Last season, Kamara’s year was cut short by a sprained MCL and ankle injuries, forcing him to miss the final six games. He ended with 471 yards and just one touchdown.
The Saints, led by rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, finished 6-11 in 2025.
A running back duo of Etienne and Kamara could do wonders for New Orleans’ offense next season, though that now hinges on Kamara’s retirement decision.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
