Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen on Monday addressed the trade rumors involving running back Travis Etienne.
In early May, a report had said that the Jaguars were not high on Etienne, which suggested the team could look to trade him. The report noted that the Jags had drafted rookie Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round out of Virginia Tech and planned to use him to carry the load.
Whatever the case, Coen wanted to shoot down the rumor that the team doesn’t like Etienne.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do, and more. There’s been a consistency. He can shine in ways in space… He’s done a great job. I don’t really understand some of the stuff I’ve kind of seen out there. That’s absolutely inaccurate,” Coen said on Monday, regarding Etienne.
#Jaguars HC Liam Coen on Travis Etienne:
"He's done everything we've asked him to do, and more. There's been a consistency. He can shine in ways in space… He’s done a great job. I don’t really understand some of the stuff I’ve kind of seen out there. That’s absolutely… pic.twitter.com/31HoOBWrH2
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) June 2, 2025
Etienne was a first-round pick by the Jaguars in 2021 and began his career with consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Last season, however, he had just 558 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 150 carries. His role was reduced as he split carries with Tank Bigsby. Etienne contributed as a receiver and added 39 catches for 254 yards.
The Jags went 4-13 last season and have a new head coach in place in Coen, as well as a new GM in James Gladstone. They made a big move in the first round when they traded up to select Travis Hunter, whom they plan to play on both offense and defense. They’re looking for a big turnaround in 2025.