Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne hold the keys to the Saints’ new offensive identity

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images Saints hoping for new-look offense with Etienne-Kamara pairing The Saints didn’t sign Travis Etienne to simply stack their depth chart. They brought him in to change the way their offense operates. Alvin Kamara echoed that sentiment recently, expressing his excitement about what he and Etienne can do together, praising the new signing’s explosiveness, and saying he “couldn’t be happier” with the addition.

The contracts add another layer to the situation. Etienne signed a four-year deal worth $52 million back in March, while Kamara is heading into the final year of his contract with a $10. 4 million cap hit.

This isn’t just about finding a way for both backs to split carries; it’s about whether Kellen Moore can build an offense that gets more speed and production out of this duo than last year’s setup ever did. Kamara’s backfield plans are taking shape Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images for OBB Media – FANATICS STUDIOS Kamara’s public support puts an end to any talk of friction, but it also raises a more important question. He was clear about one player not being able to carry the load, and last year made that point even clearer.

Injuries limited Kamara to just 11 games and he finished with only 657 scrimmage yards. Etienne brings a different look to the ground game. Kamara is still at his best in open space, catching passes or creating mismatches.