The Patriots are well into their 2025 rebuild, and it's been a terrific one, but it may not necessarily be over yet. There are still positions that could use some boosting. They include offensive tackle, edge,and the perennial wide receiver position, although things are looking up a bit there at present.
One that received a terrific addition is the running back spot. Mike Vrabel drafted Ohio State's explosive running back, TreVeyon Henderson, who adds a dimension to the backfield not seen since Deion Lewis left after 2017. Yet, another addition could still be in order, for a room that remains thin and is always prone to injuries.
Recently, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report offered one player on each NFL team who might be a trade candidate. The one listed for the Jacksonville Jaguars was running back Travis Etienne Jr. The running back might be a nice addition if Vrabel is looking to further strengthen that position and the Jaguars are willing to part with him for a reasonable price.
Travis Etienne Jr. adds depth to a still thin running back room
Travis Etienne Jr. is a 26-year-old, 5'10", 215-pound running back with the Jacksonville Jags. As such, he's a bit of a tweener in terms of size, but he possesses multifaceted skills to take advantage of. Here's an excerpt from Gary Davenport's write-up on Etienne as a possible trade candidate,
"The Jaguars drafted a pair of running backs in the 2025 NFL draft in Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten (Round 4) and Syracuse’s LeQuint Allen (Round 7). Combined with Tank Bigsby and a report that the new regime in Jacksonville isn’t especially enamored with Travis Etienne Jr., speculation has swirled that the former first-rounder could be on the move.
Etienne’s 2024 season was admittedly a mess. But atrocious offensive line play and an injured quarterback didn’t help matters any. In two of his three professional seasons Etienne has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards, and he has averaged 44 receptions per season for his career.
There are at least a few teams in the NFL that could stand to add some punch in the backfield. But if the Jaguars really are prepared to move on from Etienne as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, patience may be a virtue—a camp injury in the backfield over the summer could markedly increase the compensation the Jags receive in a trade."
Etienne's 2024 season was described as a "mess," and the Jags added two backs in the draft; it might be an opportunity knocking for the Pats. They should focus on the positives, and adding the versatile Etienne at a reasonable cost might be just the tonic the doctor ordered to strengthen further a room that lacked pizzazz in 2024.
Travis Etienne has a lot to offer to Drake Maye's offense
Etienne will immediately contend for running back No. 1 in the Patriots' backfield. A two-time 1000-yard rusher, he also averaged 44 receptions in his three NFL seasons. That's top production, and the Patriots can utilize it with their current lead back, Rhamondre Stevenson, who is prone to both injuries and fumbling issues.
Etienne's arrival could also open the door to trading one of their current veterans, such as Antonio Gibson, since his forte is pass-catching, and Etienne could fill that role nicely, while also being able to tote the rock with success. That trade could open the door to reinforcing another position of need, such as offensive guard. The left guard position is totally up for grabs at the moment.
Additionally, Etienne provides an opportunity to introduce rookie second-round pick, TreVeyon Henderson, more gradually. Henderson's lightning speed and explosiveness could be strategically utilized to gash opposition defenses as a dynamic change of pace back.
Those are a few reasons why the Patriots should consider a trade for Travis Etienne Jr. if he's truly available. He'll add more options for Mike Vrabel's and Josh McDaniels' offenses, both in the running and pass-catching aspects. The young veteran might be just the addition the Patriots need to present a truly formidable running back room for a change.
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