Kellen Moore has set the record straight on a narrative that’s been swirling around the New Orleans Saints. With the addition of Travis Etienne, some speculated that Alvin Kamara’s days with the team were numbered. However, Moore has made it clear that the Saints envision both star running backs working together.
At the recent owners meetings, Moore reiterated his stance with more certainty. Initially, his comments seemed like typical coach talk, but he soon elaborated on the dynamic duo of Kamara and Etienne, emphasizing their potential synergy.
When asked directly about Kamara’s future with the team, Moore responded with a straightforward "well, yeah." He explained, "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." This flexibility with both backs was a recurring theme in his responses.
The idea that Kamara had to leave because of Etienne was always far-fetched. The Saints’ backfield is more than capable of accommodating both talents. While there were whispers of Kamara considering retirement, the focus should be on the formidable pairing these two could create.
Financially, with Etienne’s contract, he’s expected to take the lead role. But if both players remain healthy, the distribution of touches shouldn’t be drastically uneven. Kamara has never shown a need to be the sole star, and while there was speculation about him seeking a larger role elsewhere, it was never a foregone conclusion.
Moore’s perspective is clear: "look at our season last year, look at probably any NFL season, plenty of running backs play." Trading away a quality player simply because another has joined the ranks doesn’t make strategic sense.
The Saints are poised to benefit from having both Etienne and Kamara in their lineup. Now, it’s just about whether Kamara is ready to embrace this exciting chapter.