Etienne, a 2021 first-round pick, had 3,798 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns over the past four years in Jacksonville after missing his first season with an injury. He led the Jaguars with 1,107 yards on 260 carries with seven rushing scores. Back generated 1,399 scrimmage yards and 13 scrimmage TDs.
Etienne was one of six players with five-plus rushing TDs and five-plus receiving scores in 2025, joining Christian McCaffrey, Ashton Jeanty, RJ Harvey, Jahmyr Gibbs and Chase Brown.
A $13 million a year contract in New Orleans makes Etienne the seventh highest paid running back. The 27-year-old Louisiana native returns home on a hefty contract.
The Saints needed a miracle from the backfield after struggling to run the ball consistently in 2025. Etienne brings a dual-threat cutback for Kellen Moore to deploy.
The question moves forward and turns to Alvin Kamara’s future. The 30-year-old quarterback has a career-high 471 rushing yards on 131 carries with one touchdown in 11 games. Kamara has said he didn’t want to play anywhere but New Orleans, putting a potential retirement on the table.
Edwards entered the offseason as the top guard on the market and immediately updates a need on a Saints offensive line that has shuffled through iterations in recent seasons. Edwards is a consistent starter, solid on the field and improved in pass protection in 2025. After working on a team-friendly deal the past two years in Buffalo, the soon-to-be 29-year-old is getting his paycheck.
With Edwards and Ettienne in town, Moore’s offense is poised to become more consistent in Year 2. These are very welcome additions for second-year QB Tyler Shough. The moves also allow the Saints to be more flexible with the No. 8 overall pick in their draft.