Travis Etienne to the Saints? Why New Orleans Could Be a Perfect Fit for the Jaguars RB
Travis Etienne may be on the move this offseason, and if he is, the New Orleans Saints are a team that makes a lot of sense.
The Jacksonville Jaguars running back landed at No. 20 on a recent top 100 offseason list, and with good reason. Etienne has quietly built a strong résumé over his four seasons in the league, and his 2025 campaign - 1,107 rushing yards and seven touchdowns - was another reminder of just how steady and explosive he can be when given the opportunity.
Jacksonville has a decision to make. Etienne, now 27, is due for a raise - potentially in the $8 million per year range - and while he’s earned that kind of payday, the emergence of fourth-round rookie Bhayshul Tuten has given the Jags a potential cost-effective alternative. If they decide to move on, Etienne suddenly becomes one of the most appealing running back options available this offseason.
And that’s where the Saints come in.
A Backfield Built for Balance
New Orleans could use a spark in the backfield, and Etienne brings more than just a spark - he brings stability, versatility, and big-play potential. He’s not just a one-dimensional runner. He’s a dual-threat weapon who fits exactly what head coach Kellen Moore looks for in his offense: balance, adaptability, and the ability to keep defenses guessing.
Etienne’s career numbers speak for themselves: 3,798 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns, with over 1,000 rushing yards in three of his four seasons. But what really sets him apart is his ability to impact the game as a receiver.
He’s added 1,338 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns to his stat sheet - six of those scores came just this past season. That kind of production isn’t just a bonus; it’s a game-changer for an offense looking to expand its playbook.
Why Etienne Checks All the Boxes for New Orleans
Etienne’s burst, vision, and ability to create chunk plays in space would give the Saints a new dimension in the run game. He’s the kind of back who doesn’t need 25 carries to make an impact - give him a crease, and he can flip the field in a heartbeat. That’s especially valuable in a system that thrives on rhythm and matchup exploitation.
Moore’s offenses have always leaned on versatile backs who can run between the tackles, bounce it outside, and catch passes out of the backfield. Etienne checks all those boxes. He’s not just a scheme fit - he’s a potential focal point.
And let’s not overlook the leadership and experience he’d bring to the locker room. Entering his fifth NFL season, Etienne has seen a lot - from rebuilding years to playoff pushes - and that kind of maturity could be a stabilizing force in a Saints offense that’s still finding its identity.
The Bottom Line
If Jacksonville decides to go with youth and value in the backfield, Etienne becomes one of the most intriguing veteran options on the market. And for a team like the Saints, who need more than just depth at running back, he could be the perfect solution - a proven, versatile playmaker who can elevate the entire offense from Day 1.
In a league where versatility and reliability are at a premium, Travis Etienne could be exactly what the Saints need to take the next step.