On the grass, the Jacksonville Jaguars are roaring towards the end of the regular season. In the front office, however, the team’s just getting started on the first trials of 2026.
After taking a balanced approach at the trade deadline, general manager James Gladstone hinted that he’s paying just as much attention to the future as he is to the present. That gives writers like me a chance to explore how the former Rams' roster management skills could help the Jags become a real contender in the NFL.
A huge leap towards that goal would be figuring out who the franchise's workhorse running back of the future will be as soon as possible. Travis Etienne's performance has built a fantastic case for him to remain in Jacksonville after 2025, but Bhayshul Tuten's growth throughout his rookie campaign gives the front office a cost-effective option to consider.
Bhayshul Tuten's efficiency gives the Jaguars a clear-cut option
When you hire a head coach whose offense could turn you into a perennial contender, you've got to give him the tools he needs to succeed.
Travis Etienne's renaissance gave the Jaguars a chance to gain more draft capital by trading his services to another team, but that would have put Liam Coen in a bind in the middle of a potential playoff run. Post-2025, however, Coen and his coaching staff would be more equipped to adjust to major roster changes, like the Clemson legend's departure.
Tuten's development this season gives the Jaguars another source of bruising firepower to deploy against opposing defenses once they start to wear down. The Virginia Tech product's 15 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers was largely accrued while giving Etienne a spell from dominating the Bolts himself.
Thus far, the former Hokie has racked up 60 carries for 238 yards and three scores. As a receiver, Tuten’s hauled in eight receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown so far. Obviously, he hasn’t gotten the same workload as the five-year veteran in front of him, but the young back has made the most of his opportunities thus far.
As a fourth-round pick, there’s a reasonable chance that Tuten is Gladstone’s choice to succeed Etienne after the latter’s contract expires this season. The former director of scouting and strategy for the Rams was in the building when LA decided to part ways with Todd Gurley. The breakup wasn’t pretty, and the ugliness largely stemmed from the franchise’s massive investments in the former All-Pro.
Recent trends may make the Jaguars' free agency decision for them
Gurley's departure from LA came during a time when the NFL questioned if general managers should spend significant capital on their top ball carriers. Ironically, Travis Etienne's selection in the first round of the 2021 draft helped break a streak of running backs being selected in the middle rounds so teams could pay less for their best years on-the-job.
Najee Harris, the other running back selected in the first round of the 2021 draft, had four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons on the ground before the Pittsburgh Steelers declined his fifth-year option. Etienne's slump in 2024 hurt the quality of his resume, but it's clear he's rebounded strongly in a contract year. Unfortunately, there isn't enough evidence to assume a progressive GM like James Gladstone is interested in paying a high price for the backend of the former All-American's career.
Ultimately, there are 7 games left for Tuten and Etienne to show why they should be RB1 in Duval County next year. Hopefully, their performance during the playoff stretch leads to historic on-field success as the Jaguars continue their new era.