For months, Saints fans have heard the rumors.

Trade Alvin Kamara.

Release him.

Make Travis Etienne the featured back.

Well, it looks like the Saints have made their decision.

According to multiple reports, Alvin Kamara is staying in New Orleans after agreeing to a reworked contract, keeping the franchise’s all-time leading rusher in black and gold. Both Kamara and the organization reportedly shared the same goal: finishing his career as a Saint.

Personally?

I think it’s the right move.

This Was Never About Choosing One Running Back

Some people acted like adding Travis Etienne meant Kamara had one foot out the door.

I never saw it that way.

Etienne brings speed, explosiveness, and youth.

Kamara brings experience, leadership, and the ability to change a game with one touch.

Why wouldn’t you want both?

This offense doesn’t have to choose between them.

It has the chance to become one of the most versatile backfields in the NFL.

Kamara Still Matters

Is Alvin Kamara the same player he was in 2018?

No.

Very few running backs are at 30 years old.

But he’s still one of the smartest players on this roster.

He’s still one of the best receiving backs in football.

And more importantly, he’s one of the leaders this young offense needs.

With Tyler Shough entering a critical season and rookies like Jordyn Tyson and Oscar Delp learning the NFL game, having Kamara in that locker room is worth more than what’s printed on a stat sheet.

The Bigger Picture

This move tells me something about where the Saints think they are.

They’re not tearing everything down.

They’re trying to win now while building for the future.

Kamara doesn’t have to carry the offense anymore.

He just has to help lead it.

And if Etienne can take some of the workload off his shoulders, we may actually see a fresher, more efficient Alvin Kamara this season.

Tony’s Take

I know some fans wanted to move on.

I understand the salary cap concerns.

But legends don’t come around every day.

If Alvin Kamara truly finishes his career as a Saint, I think that’s exactly how it should be.

Now let’s see what he and Travis Etienne can do together.

That backfield has a chance to be a lot of fun.

Who Dat.

— Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank

Every year, the “experts” release their rankings.

And every year, somebody gets overlooked.

This year, it feels like it’s the New Orleans Saints.

One national ranking has the Saints sitting near the bottom third of the NFL, basically saying this team isn’t ready to compete.

Honestly?

I think they’re missing the bigger picture.

Let’s be clear—the Saints haven’t earned the benefit of the doubt. They won six games last season, and nobody is handing them a division title.

But are they really the 24th-best team in football?

I’m not buying it.

Look at what’s changed.

The offense is better.

Tyler Shough isn’t walking into his first NFL season anymore. He has meaningful experience under his belt and another offseason in Kellen Moore’s system.

The Saints added Travis Etienne to bring explosiveness to the running game.

They drafted Jordyn Tyson, who has already impressed during rookie minicamp.

They added Oscar Delp at tight end and continued building around a young offense instead of standing still.

That’s not a team that’s rebuilding.

That’s a team that’s trying to take the next step.

The NFC South isn’t exactly unbeatable.

Nobody ran away with this division last year.

Every team has question marks.

If the Saints get solid quarterback play and stay healthier than they were a year ago, why can’t they be in the mix?

In fact, NFL.com recently ranked New Orleans as its No. 1 candidate to go from worst to first in its division, pointing to improvements on offense, Tyler Shough’s development, and the team’s offseason additions.

That’s a very different outlook than simply writing them off.

My Take

Maybe the rankings are right.

Maybe they’re not.

But I remember when people counted the Saints out before.

This fan base has seen enough football to know that games aren’t won in June.

They’re won between September and January.

If the Saints prove the doubters wrong this fall, don’t act surprised.

Sometimes being overlooked is exactly the motivation a football team needs.

I’ll take being underestimated over being overhyped any day.

Who Dat.

— Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank

A Super Bowl Champion, Saints Hall of Famer, team captain, and one of the greatest defensive ends to ever wear the Black & Gold.

Will wasn’t just a great football player—he was a leader, a teammate, and someone who represented New Orleans with class on and off the field.

Gone far too soon, but his legacy will live on forever in the hearts of the Who Dat Nation.

Happy Birthday, #91. We’ll never forget you.

⚜️ Who Dat!