Despite trading away running back Tank Bigsby after Week 1, there’s still a chance that the Jacksonville Jaguars’ current starter, Travis Etienne, may still be on the trade block. According to a source, Etienne is a name to watch despite the team choosing him over Bigsby as a reliable fit under head coach Liam Coen’s offense to run the football, but there is talent behind him waiting for a larger role. After drafting Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. in this year’s draft, there’s still a route that the Jaguars could take where they may stick with these two running backs as their future for their ground game. If Jacksonville isn’t a contender this year, they may take a step back and save some cap space to rebuild for their future, led by the new rookies, which means trading Etienne to a team that needs depth and recoup some draft capital.
Originally selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Clemson product is in his last year of his current contract. Etienne lost his starting role to Bigsby last year, who is longer on the team. This was a surprise move from the Jaguars, but it looks like the team could move on overall from both running backs as they possibly rebuild (once again). Etienne should be able to intrigue plenty of teams, and these teams may make an offer.
Former Jaguars First Rounder Travis Etienne Could Still Be On Trade Block – 3 Possible Fits
Potential Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
It’s been a rough back-to-back weeks for the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been running the ball more often than his running backs. This means the team should find a way to bolster the backfield unit that contains Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell and Brashard Smith. Pacheco is still a reliable downhill runner, but he’s on the hot seat this year, and it doesn’t look good for his future on this roster.
Hunt is slowing down as he’s past his prime, and Mitchell is only signed under a one-year contract. Etienne joining the Chiefs at some point could bring the spark back in this offense to help Pacheco in the postseason.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have somewhat of a reliable run game only if they continue to play Javonte Williams. They’re still waiting on 2025 draft pick Jaydon Blue to make his debut, and veteran Miles Sanders is more of a flashy type running back who could make an impact in situational moments. He isn’t going to explode on every down like Williams can, but someone like Etienne can replicate that. Etienne might not get the immediate start on offense, but it should get the Cowboys back in the postseason as they will have Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Etienne as a true, well-rounded roster.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are taking a huge hit on offense. After already losing quarterback JJ McCarthy (again) for more time due to an injury, they’re going to lose starter Aaron Jones for several weeks. This means Jordan Mason will get more reps, but they must trade for a running back here to boost the unit and give this offense a fighting chance while Carson Wentz is out there.
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