Kellen Moore has come out and debunked a theory that was taking up too much space. The New Orleans Saints fully expect to have Alvin Kamara on the team alongside Travis Etienne. In the weeks since signing Etienne, a narrative of him replacing Kamara quickly formed. The ensuing weeks have been spent trying to predict what's next for the Saints legend.
Moore has stated before they'd like Kamara on the team before, and at the owners meetings, he doubled down on this stance with a little more conviction. Moore started off committal but timid in his answer. It felt very much like coach speak until he began to detail how the two running backs stick together.
Moore was asked directly if they're planning as if Kamara was going to be on the team and his answer started with, "well, yeah." That's as direct of an answer you're going to get before April. Moore continued with, "he's certainly on the roster and a part of that running back room. We feel like there's ways that you can manipulate all those guys and put them in plenty of situations." The abiity to use both running backs was a common theme during this series of questions.
Alvin Kamara HAVING to leave the Saints because of Travis Etienne was always silly
When you really think about it, there was no reason to believe Kamara actually had to leave New Orleans. This isn't an Old Western. The town is indeed big enough for the two of them. The Saints would actually be better for it. The closest logical reason for a separation was the report about Kamara weighing retirement.
All the conversation was avoiding best case scenario. Kamara and Etienne give the Saints a strong two headed monster. Instead of focusing on the potential of that, the narrative shifted to you can only have one running back of that quality.
With how much the Saints are paying Etienne, he should be the lead back. If everyone is healthy, the expectation should be for him to get the most touches. That's what comes with being the lead back. If Kamara stays healthy as well, the gap in touches shouldn't be wide.
Kamara hasn't shown himself to be a player who's overly concerned with having to be The Man. Was there a chance of him leaving for a bigger role after Etienne joined? Yes. It went from being discussed as a possibility, though, to being the clear path for the Saints to take.
That's where it grew too much. This outcome was always the best outcome. Like Moore said, "look at our season last year, look at probably any NFL season, plenty of running backs play." Trading a good running back because you got another good running back is unnecessary. Things are clearly not finalized, but Moore has the right idea. The Saints are better with Etienne AND Kamara. At this point, it's just a matter if Kamara still wants to be here.