New Orleans Saints fans were ecstatic when the team announced it agreed to terms with former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne. Despite the excitement around the signing, it crushed many fans' dream of picking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Then again, that may not have been an option with or without Etienne. wouldn’t be on the board. NFL Draft analyst [Todd McShay](https://x.com/McShay13/status/2031358863300035055) mimicked this thought on X.
McShay pointed out both the Saints and Chiefs' running back deals were heavily influenced by the thought of Love not being avail“It’s important to note; every GM in the league is taking Jeremiyah Love on a rookie deal over Walker III or Etienne on a veteran deal,” McShay wrote. “Mickey Loomis and Brett Veach were well aware that Love wasn’t making it to them”.
McShay is specifically talking financially in this instance. All three of the players he mentioned are fabulous and will be major contributors next year, but the contracts are the difference. To put it into perspective, Ashton Jeanty, the sixth overall pick in 2025, earns $9 million per year while Etienne is making $13 million annually. Both are amazing players, but Jeanty is significantly cheaper.
Despite the bad news about Jeremiyah Love, Saints fans should still be thrilled with Travis Etienne
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Don’t get it twisted, Travis Etienne is still an amazing addition, even if it means the Jeremiyah Love dream is faltering. The Saints main goal this offseason is to get as many explosive weapons on offense as possible. This signing does just that, as Etienne is a premier running back in the league.
The former Jaguar had 28 runs of 10+ yards in 2025, which ranked 10th in the league. By comparison, Alvin Kamara had the most runs of more than 10 yards for the Saints and finished with just 10 last year. That ranked 43rd in the NFL. Clearly, Etienne is an elite explosive threat who will elevate this offseason.
Don't even get started 30 yard rushes. That hasn't just been a 2025 issue. It's been a deficit of long runs for years at thsi point. Audric Estime's 32 yard scamper vs. the Titans was the first 30+ yard run by a Saints running back since 2022.
Sadly, it’s trending towards Jeremiyah Love not being on the board at pick eight. Even if a lack of belief in Love's availability influenced the decision, Saints fans should be delighted about their signing of Travis Etienne. This ensured them an explosive threat on offense, which is desperately needed.