Travis Etienne's impact on Alvin Kamara has been one of the biggest conversations around the New Orleans Saints since the former signed with the team. Etienne's contract suggests he'll be the new lead back, and there's one underrated trait Etienne possesses that can't be said for Kamara.
First reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the deal is for four years and worth up to $48 million dollars. With $12 million given to him just as a signing bonus, he has the possibility of more money due to salary escalators.
It's commonly said Etienne will bolster the rushing attack. On the surface, it tends to sound like the Saints failed to run the ball due to lack of talent in the room. Seeing that that doesn't feel true on the surface, what does Etienne bring that Kamara didn't? The answer is simple, availability.
Saints' RB Travis Etienne is more dependable than Alvin Kamara
It's also an impactful signing because Etienne might be more dependable than Kamara. Besides missing his rookie season in 2021 due to a broken foot, he has yet to play fewer than 15 games in a season. In fact, besides the missed rookie season and two games lost in 2024, Etienne has played three full seasons in the NFL. That's more than Kamara can say, because he hasn't managed to play a full season since his rookie year back in 2017.
Compared to his new teammate, Kamara has a much longer list of games missed due to injury. Nearly averaging an injury a season, the Saints legend has lost 18 games to injury since the start of his career. That's a whole season plus a little bit of lagniappe, and is honestly one of the main things that makes Etienne's availability so valuable.
Rushing attacks taking a dip when their best player is out is a no brainer. While Kamara still has a little in the tank, it doesn't matter if he can't stay on the field. Etienne hasn't had that problem, so far. The trust in him to stay healthy grants fans permission to let out an exhale.
It also has a trickle down effect to Kamara. Due to the availability of the Saints' new signing, that'll leave Kamara fresher and more available towards the end of the season, and that's something he hasn't even been able to make it to the past few years. It also keeps the 1,000-yard season door open for him, at least for now. The signing of Etienne might actually be one that saves Kamara's career, not kill it.