New Orleans

Saints

Underhill outlined his thoughts on the run game in a lengthy piece, exploring how run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti plans to build the run game around his players’ strengths. With RB Travis Etienne set to operate as the lead back, the team can use Kamara selectively in space, running routes, on screens and by exploiting matchups. It remains to be seen whether Kamara, 30, will remain in New Orleans, but it sounds like he could end up with a PPR-friendly FLEX role if he does.

Underhill believes RB Travis Etienne’s skillset “is exactly what the Saints need if inside zone and outside zone are going to remain the base.” That said, the Saints are also excited about Etienne’s versatility. Paganetti praised his intelligence, pass protection, route running ability and added that Etienne is more than just a one-cut runner. If RB Alvin Kamara, 30, remains with the team, Underhill believes Etienne’s presence allows the team to use Kamara selectively, rather than relying on him all game long. Underhill adds that the Saints’ play-action passing game was very efficient in 13 personnel, albeit via a small sample size. The front office added multiple tight ends this offseason and the coaching staff wants the running game “to feed the passing game,” which could mean more runs out of three-tight end sets. Etienne is looking like an RB2 with RB1 upside in an ascending offense.

Underhill’s colleagues, Mike Triplett and John Hendrix, agree. Triplett was the most bearish of the bunch, saying he is not sure that Shough will be able to crack the position’s top 10. Underhill notes that Vegas sports books have Shough in a five-way tie for the sixth-best odds to lead the NFL in passing yards. He adds that he is “not sure” if he can get to sixth, but he knows for sure that he can’t get to 13th. Shough was the QB10 in per-game fantasy scoring from Weeks 8-18, and the upgraded offense is expected to take another step in Year 2 under head coach Kellen Moore. Shough’s top-12 passing potential seems legit, and he has a shot to finish in that range in fantasy as well.

Kamara showed up for practice while his 2026 contract situation is very much in flux. Several reports over the past couple weeks have suggested Kamara, entering his age-31 season, won’t return to the Saints for the 2026 season after the team signed Travis Etienne during free agency. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said in mid-May that he’s “trying to see” how Kamara might fit on the team’s roster. Kamara carries a $10.4 million cap hit coming into the 2026 season if the Saints keep him on the team in the coming weeks. Kamara, who had 471 rushing yards over 11 games last season, ranked 32nd out of 75 qualifying running backs in missed tackles forced per carry. He ranked 70th in yards after contact per carry.

Olave is currently set to play 2026 on the fifth-year option, but the two sides have been rumored to be in extension discussions for a while. “I feel like we’re going to come down to that before training camp,” Olave said. The Saints haven’t exactly been in a rush to settle their in-house contract issues this offseason, with Alvin Kamara also sort of dangling in the void.

Toure is a former seventh-round draft pick who spent parts of last season with the Broncos and Saints. He appeared in just one game last season, catching 1-of-3 targets for nine yards, and has a career receiving line of 14-163-1. Toure will have to battle for a spot on the 53-man roster this season, and faces an uphill battle to make the team even if A.J. Brown is traded.

Fowler adds that “there is some interest in potentially coming back there,” and suggests the two sides might be able to agree to a revised deal. Fowler’s commentary — SportsCenter bits are quick and sometimes rushed — was a bit convoluted to follow. New Orleans Football’s Nick Underhill points out that Fowler may have misinterpreted Kamara’s current contract numbers as well. Regardless, we believe Fowler is saying that Kamara would like to remain a Saint, but the team has not been interested in the suggested resolutions coming from Kamara’s camp. Per Over The Cap, the team would save only $376,000 by releasing him after June 1. Beat reporters have recently opined that releasing Kamara would create the need for outside help at the RB2 spot. Retaining Kamara on a revised deal could benefit both sides.

Olave is up to about 200 pounds, but expects to lose five pounds during training camp. Saints QB Tyler Shough said Olave looks “better than I’ve ever seen him,” noting Olave maintained his speed and change of direction despite his increased size. Head coach Kellen Moore noted Olave’s physical transformation as well, saying Olave has had an “awesome” offseason. Olave, 25, is due for a contract extension with one year remaining on his rookie deal, but he believes it will be handled soon and is “not really worried about it.” He’s a fantasy WR1 in an ascending offense.

For the time being, Kamara remains a Saint. It is entirely unclear how long that will remain the case. Early last week, general manager Mickey Loomis said the team is trying to figure out Kamara’s fit on the roster. A few days later, New Orleans Football’s Mike Triplett said he thinks the team would “go shopping” for an RB2 candidate if Kamara leaves the team via trade or release. If that’s the case, it suggests the Saints still see a talent gap between Kamara and his backups. Perhaps, keeping Kamara in New Orleans ends up making sense for both sides.

The Saints have been conducting on-field, non-contract drills since April 20th. Organized team activities officially began yesterday, though media members were not allowed to attend. Tyson has already been given rest days, as the team puts together “a plan for him,” and per Triplett, Tyson’s limited participation was expected. The rookie wide receiver “was dressed in jersey and helmet and stood by for the entire practice.” We are not concerned about Tyson’s health at this time, but hope to see his participation increase in the coming weeks.