What the Etienne Signing Will Mean for Saints' Returning Running Backs
Travis Etienne's arrival disrupts Saints running backs' projected carries. Who else battles for touches with new additions?
Everybody likes an underdog. The New Orleans Saints were set to have a few of them see significant reps at the running back position prior to free agency. That may no longer be the case.
Devin Neal and Kendre Miller were likely set to see some carries in 2026 with the natural attrition that comes with injuries at the running back position, if not for spotting fatigued starters. New Orleans' surprise signing of elite ball carrier Travis Etienne puts a wrench in that plan as in-house running backs moved a little further down the depth chart. Add in the free agent addition of former Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler, and receiving carries could be hard to come by in the near future.
Dylan Sanders of Saints Wire discussed why those free agent signings are suboptimal for the returning backs next season. Sanders gave his reasoning . With the signings of Etienne and Ty Chandler, it's clear that the Saints want to try something new in the backfield.
Chandler has less of an effect but will fight for snaps in camp. Neal had 57 rushes for 206 yards and two scores last year but was far from consistent. He looked better as the season went along, expected from a rookie, but had his season cut short with a hamstring injury.