The New Orleans Saints have a legitimate opportunity to re-establish themselves as one of the NFL’s premier rushing attacks in 2026, something they haven’t accomplished since finishing seventh in the league in rushing during the 2020 season. The addition of Travis Etienne alongside Alvin Kamara has created optimism that the ground game can once again become the foundation of the offense.
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton is among those buying into the Saints backfield potential, ranking Kamara and Etienne as the NFL’s third best running back duo entering 2026. Despite the excitement, Moten believes there are still questions that keep the unit from being viewed as the league’s best. That uncertainty largely centers on Kamara’s durability and long-term status with the team.
"The New Orleans Saints duo would be No. 1 in the rankings if Alvin Kamara had less extensive recent injury history and a clear short-term future with the team. The Saints are still working through their options with the 10th-year veteran, who's in the final term of his current deal."
New Orleans Saints ground game has breakout potential behind dynamic running back pairing
The New Orleans Saints rushing attack has the potential to be one of the league's most dangerous units now that Travis Etienne will take over as the lead back. Allowing Etienne to handle the bulk of carries would take significant wear and tear off Alvin Kamara, who has carried a heavy workload throughout most of his career.
For the first time since his sophomore season, Kamara could thrive as a true RB2, by staying fresh. The combination of Etienne’s speed and big-play ability with a more rested Kamara would give New Orleans a dynamic one-two punch capable of creating matchup problems for defenses all game long.
"At 30, Kamara's RB1 years are over. However, as the No. 2 tailback alongside Etienne, who's finished with 1,399-plus scrimmage yards in three of the last four years, the Saints arguably have the best three-down running back duo in the NFL." "Though for now, Kamara is slated to be the Saints' No. 2 running back after the team signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $47 million deal. As a two-man backfield, Etienne and Kamara could be the league's top tandem in scrimmage yards if the latter stays healthy."
If everything comes together as envisioned, the running back duo could prove why Moton was so high on the Saints backfield entering the season. Their ability to consistently generate explosive plays, control the tempo of games, and contribute both as runners and receivers would give New Orleans one of the NFL's most complete rushing attacks.
More importantly, a dominant ground game would take pressure off the passing attack and help elevate the entire offense into the league's elite tier, giving the Saints a strong foundation to be a dangerous team in 2026.
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