Hot take: Travis Etienne finishes as a top 5 RB if he’s used the right way
If Etienne is actually stepping into a Saints-style role, I think people are way too low on his ceiling.
Look at what he did in 2023 when he was used as more than just a grinder — over 1,000 rushing yards, 58 catches for nearly 500 receiving yards, 12 total TDs, and around 1,500 scrimmage yards. That’s already borderline elite production, and it didn’t even feel like he was consistently featured in the passing game all season.
That’s why this setup is interesting. The Saints have historically gotten the most out of backs who can operate in both phases, and we’ve seen what that looks like when it clicks. If Etienne is getting real receiving work on top of his rushing volume, you’re suddenly looking at a profile that can easily land in that 1,000 rushing, 50+ catch, double-digit TD range again—except this time with a higher weekly ceiling.
If the offense has any sort of rhythm and they actually lean into using him in space instead of just running him into the ground, I don’t see why he can’t push into that top 5 tier.
Feels like people are not talking enough about him.
Am I too high on this or are people sleeping on Etienne in that kind of role?