Grading the signing: Saints land one of the most talented players in free agency, and it aggressively changes their NFL Draft plans
The Saints just made a massive move at the running back position.
Mickey Loomis is back to wheeling and dealing along the NFL free agency market. The New Orleans Saints were expected to be more active this offseason, and that’s already started to come to fruition for the black and gold.
Saints alter NFL Draft plans by agreeing to terms with former Jaguars RB Travis Etienne
Recently, many mock drafts have had the Saints pick Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in the first round of the upcoming draft. Well, we can put that idea to rest now.
According to reports, the Saints have agreed to a deal with former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne. The speedster was one of the best running backs on the free agent market. The deal is worth $52 million over four years.
“Etienne might be one of the more underrated free agents in this class from a pure production standpoint. He’s hitting the open market because of a down 2024, but if you erase that season and compile his numbers from 2022, 2023, and 2025, Etienne has averaged 1,441 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns a season. He is a dual threat who would thrive in a wide zone scheme and as a reliable pass-catching option.
To me, he’s a discounted Christian McCaffrey. He needs a runway, and he’s not as elite with the ball in his hands, but at only 27 years old and having averaged 16.5 games played a season during his career, he’s a player worthy of a lucrative deal.” — Rob Gregson
This deal cannot officially go through until Wednesday afternoon. That being said, it looks like the Saints just went big fish hunting at the RB position and landed a difference maker for Kellen Moore’s offense of the future.
Travis Etienne signing GRADE: A-
A to Z Sports’ Top-100 ranking: No. 13
“Travis Etienne doesn’t get talked about like one of the best RBs in the league, but when you look at his numbers since being drafted by the Jaguars, you see how impressive he has been. For example, he’s crossed 1,000 rushing yards in three of his four seasons and has two years of 10 or more total touchdowns, as well.” – Destin Adams