The New Orleans Saints’ running back situation is heating up, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines this offseason. Recently, the Saints added Travis Etienne to their roster, sparking rumors about Alvin Kamara's future with the team.
Will he be traded, or could he be contemplating retirement? Adding to the mix, the Saints attended Arkansas Pro Day with a keen eye on running back Mike Washington Jr.
This development could spell trouble for Kendre Miller.
The Saints' backfield is crowded. Alongside Etienne and Kamara, there’s Miller, Devin Neal, and Audric Estime.
Traditionally, the Saints keep three running backs on their active roster, but special teams contributions might push them to retain four. Ty Chandler has also been brought in, likely for his return skills, which adds another layer of complexity.
This means two players might find themselves on the outside looking in.
The potential addition of Washington could further complicate the roster decisions. Known for his blazing speed at the NFL Scouting Combine, Washington has become a hot topic and could be a mid-round option for the Saints. His presence would likely pressure the team to make tough choices, especially regarding Miller's future.
Drafting Washington could signal the end of Miller’s tenure with the Saints. While it might also affect Neal and Estime, Miller is already on shaky ground. After a fresh start under Kellen Moore in 2025, Miller’s season was cut short by yet another injury, a pattern that has plagued his career and could jeopardize his spot on next year’s roster.
If Kamara remains with the team, the lineup could solidify with Etienne, Kamara, and potentially Washington, leaving the Saints to ponder whether to keep a fourth back. If Kamara departs, a vacancy opens up, setting the stage for a showdown between Miller, Neal, and Estime.
Miller’s injury history casts a shadow over his training camp performance, making it challenging to evaluate him fairly. Despite Neal ending the year on injured reserve, his injury seemed less severe, and he might have returned if the Saints had been in playoff contention.
Neal’s impressive rookie season and hard-nosed running style complement Etienne well, positioning him as the frontrunner among the trio. If it comes down to one spot, Neal appears to have the edge over Miller.