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HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos looks on during the NFL 2025 game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Houston, Texas."" (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos have quietly emerged as one of the most logical landing spots for one of the top running backs set to hit free agency.
In a recent breakdown of ideal fits for the 2026 free agent class, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton connected Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. to Denver. Moton noted that after bouncing back from an injury-plagued 2024 season, Etienne “racked up 1,399 scrimmage yards along with a career-high 13 touchdowns.”
He added that “the Broncos would be an ideal suitor” because they “can pay him a top dollar salary” and offer him a featured role in the offense.
For a Broncos team that struggled to find consistency after J.K. Dobbins went down with a foot injury, the connection is logical.
Broncos Have the Cap Space and the Need
The Broncos enter the 2026 offseason with an estimated $28.6 million in available salary cap space. It marks a significant financial turning point for the franchise, as the dead money from Russell Wilson’s contract is finally off the books for the first time since his release. That flexibility gives Denver room to be aggressive in ways other teams simply cannot.
The Kansas City Chiefs were also floated as a potential suitor, but they are tight against the cap and have multiple roster holes to address.
Jacksonville is navigating financial constraints of its own, and the Jaguars may ultimately decide to move on from Etienne after drafting Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. last year. Both young backs flashed in rotational roles, which could make it easier for Jacksonville to pivot toward a cheaper, younger backfield rather than committing major money to a veteran contract.
Denver is in a position to spend and remains on the cusp of true Super Bowl contention. Its biggest offseason need is another offensive playmaker.
When Dobbins was healthy in 2025, the Broncos had one of the most efficient rushing attacks in the NFL.
Once he was sidelined, the offense lost its balance and consistency. Relying on Dobbins to make it through a full season has always been a gamble, and Denver may not be willing to take that risk again.
Etienne would immediately step into a featured role while allowing RJ Harvey to continue developing in a complementary capacity. The former first-round pick has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in three of four seasons and has shown he can be a reliable presence both as a runner and receiver.
A Dynamic Skill Set That Would Elevate the Broncos Offense
What makes Etienne especially attractive is his versatility.
He averaged 4.3 yards per carry in 2025 and has consistently been a double digit touchdown producer from scrimmage. Over four healthy seasons, he has totaled more than 5,000 yards.
Moton also pointed out that if Etienne signed in Denver, he would “likely take over the featured position” in an offense that needs more stability in the backfield.
Paying running backs is not always a popular strategy in today’s NFL, but recent examples across the league have shown that the right investment can pay off.
For Denver, a three-year deal in the $30 million range for a proven, durable playmaker could be the type of move that pushes the offense to another level.