Jun 10, 2026, 8:55 AM ET

Running back Travis Etienne Jr. was one of the top players in the free agent pool this spring and inked a massive four-year, $52 million contract with the emerging New Orleans Saints. After spending the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Jaguars, Etienne is set to operate as the lead running back on a Saints team that hopes to take a step forward in 2026. Following a down season in 2024, when Etienne ran for a career-low 558 rushing yards and just two touchdowns, the running back bounced back in a big way in 2025. Entering the season, the former Clemson standout was not guaranteed the starting job, but quickly reclaimed the role, totaling 1,107 yards on the ground, the second-highest mark of his career, and adding seven rushing scores. Through the air, Etienne brought in another 36 catches (52 targets) for 292 yards and another six touchdowns. Last season, the Saints' major weakness was their rushing attack, as veteran Alvin Kamara struggled to find much traction, and the team posted the 10th-fewest rushing yards per game. As a result, the team views Etienne as not only the future of the backfield but also the answer to this short-term weakness. While Kamara is still on the roster, Etienne figures to operate as the lead option with the veteran reverting to a change-of-pace role. Given that young quarterback Tyler Shough averaged a strong 260.0 passing yards per game over his last eight games, this offense could take a massive step forward with a stable rushing game. Etienne carries surprising value as a high-end RB2 despite his newly signed contract, as he is being selected as the RB18 in current PPR Sleeper drafts at an ADP of 39.0. Etienne should contend for another double-digit touchdown campaign while seeing ample targets, making him one of the best values among RB2s on the draft board.--Andy Smith