Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne has two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, but that might not save him from a trade. A first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Georgia product lost his rookie season to injury but played well in 2022 and 2023. Etienne appeared to be the future of Jacksonville’s backfield, recording a combined 2,133 rushing and 792 receiving yards during that span. Unfortunately, he took a step back in 2024, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry while being thoroughly outplayed by third-round pick Tank Bigsby.
Now entering the final year of his rookie contract with a new head coach, the fine folks at Pro Football Focus believe the Jaguars could trade Travis Etienne in the buildup to the 2025 NFL Draft. While Jacksonville probably won’t receive anything more than a late-round pick for Etienne’s services, multiple teams should have some interest in the former first-round pick.
REPORT: Jaguars Could Trade Travis Etienne In Coming Weeks
Possible Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the league’s strongest rosters, but they could use more help at the running back position. Isiah Pacheco is a fine starter, but he’s not an ideal three-down workhorse. Kareem Hunt, meanwhile, played remarkably well for an in-season signing, but the 29-year-old is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning. Travis Etienne might not be a full-time starter, but the Chiefs should still call the Jaguars and inquire about a trade. Etienne is a better receiver than Pacheco and the present-day version of Hunt, and he could be the lightning to Pacheco’s thunder in the run game.
Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb is still a free agent, which heavily suggests the four-time Pro Bowler is not in the team’s long-term plans. This is unfortunate but predictable, as the veteran didn’t look like himself in 2024 and may never be the same following his 2023 knee injury. Running back is far from the biggest need on this roster, but Cleveland still needs somebody to handle the rushing workload in 2025. Whether it’s Kenny Pickett, a veteran like Russell Wilson, or a rookie like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, the next quarterback will need someone to take pressure off the passing attack.
New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara is the unquestioned starter in New Orleans, but this team should invest in a competent backfield partner. Third-round pick Kendre Miller cannot stay on the field, and Kellen Moore has no obligation to play the TCU product. Kamara is entering his age-30 season, which means his body probably can’t handle another 290-touch season. Travis Etienne plays like a poor mans’ version of Kamara, and the Jaguars trade target could be the ideal choice to alleviate Kamara’s workload and increase his odds of surviving the season.
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh believes in beating teams with a physical rushing attack, and former Pittsburgh Steeler Najee Harris is the perfect player for this type of offensive philosophy. However, while the Alabama product can catch the ball, he’s not particularly special after the catch. The Chargers need a receiving back, and while they could draft one, Harbaugh might prefer a veteran for this championship-caliber roster. Etienne has a good set of hands and can start if injuries strike Harris in 2025.
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