The Saints signed running back Travis Etienne to a four-year, $52 million contract in free agency.
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“I think a lot of people think there’s trouble or something when moves like this happen,” Kamara said. “It’s like, wow, I couldn’t be happier. One, my son got paid, and two, it’s just some help in the backfield. That’s the name of the game. One person can’t do it by themselves. I’m fine with that. Whatever direction we can go, I’m with it. I haven’t had much of a chance to talk to him, but I’m definitely excited that he has a fleur-de-lis on his helmet, and he’s paid for it.”
The Saints modified Kamara’s contract earlier this offseason, making it easier to trade or release him after June 1. That’s what has sparked speculation about Kamara’s future, with the Saints committing only to the fact that Kamara is currently on the roster.
Kamara is scheduled to count $10.45 million against the salary cap.
He may have to take a pay cut to stay with the team that drafted him in 2017, but it appears a 10th season in New Orleans is what he wants.
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Kamara said he watched Etienne in Jacksonville and is “excited to see what we can do together.”
Kamara and Mark Ingram formed a powerful duo for four seasons. In 2017-18, they combined for 3,380 rushing yards and 40 rushing touchdowns.
“I think that’s what we’re trying to find. Mark and I set the bar very high. That’s what efficiency looks like at a very high level,” Kamara said. “I’m 100 percent for it. If that’s the direction we’re going, I’m all for it. I think we can get there.”