Why Travis Etienne Should Be at the Top of the Broncos’ Free Agency Wishlist
The Denver Broncos are staring down a pivotal offseason, and if there’s one area screaming for a serious upgrade, it’s the backfield. The offense needs a spark - not just a warm body to fill the depth chart, but a legitimate game-changer. And as free agency approaches, there’s a name that fits that bill: Travis Etienne.
According to recent reports, the Jacksonville Jaguars are not expected to use the franchise tag on Etienne, clearing the way for him to hit the open market. That’s big news. Because if you’re the Broncos, and you’ve been searching for a versatile, explosive, do-it-all back to elevate your offense, this is the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around often.
Etienne’s 2025 Season Was a Statement
Let’s talk production. Etienne bounced back in a big way this past season, putting up 1,107 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
But he didn’t stop there. He added 36 catches for 292 yards and six more scores through the air.
That’s 13 total touchdowns and over 1,400 yards from scrimmage - numbers that scream “feature back.”
And it wasn’t just about the stats. Etienne brought the kind of juice that modern NFL offenses thrive on.
He was elusive in space, tough between the tackles, and a nightmare for defenders in the open field. He forced missed tackles at a high rate and racked up 831 yards after contact - a top-tier mark that speaks to both his vision and toughness.
And in pass protection? He gave up just five pressures on 83 snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
That’s the kind of three-down reliability coaches dream about.
A Perfect Fit for Sean Payton’s Offense
If you’ve followed Sean Payton’s career, you know he’s always had a soft spot for dynamic backs who can catch passes and create mismatches. Think Alvin Kamara in New Orleans - a player who could line up anywhere and force defenses to adjust. Etienne fits that mold.
Payton’s system thrives on quick reads, timing throws, and getting the ball into playmakers’ hands in space. Screens, angle routes, checkdowns, shallow crosses - all staples of his playbook.
Etienne doesn’t just fit that role; he excels in it. His ability to turn a swing pass into a chunk gain or a checkdown into a first down is exactly what Denver’s offense has been missing.
The Cost vs. the Payoff
Now, let’s be real: Etienne won’t come cheap. Top-tier offensive weapons rarely do. And yes, there’s always hesitation around paying running backs in today’s NFL - a league that’s increasingly leaned into the “running backs are replaceable” philosophy.
But here’s the thing: the Broncos aren’t rebuilding. They’re trying to win now.
And when you’re building a roster to compete deep into January, you can’t afford to ignore the run game. Just look at how last season ended - Denver’s backfield limped into the postseason and struggled to make an impact when it mattered most.
Etienne’s arrival wouldn’t just patch a hole; it could unlock an entirely new dimension of this offense. He gives Payton the kind of versatile weapon he hasn’t had in Denver yet - a back who can carry the load, catch passes, and create explosive plays from anywhere on the field.
Cold Weather? Winning Fixes That
There’s been talk in the past about Etienne preferring warm-weather markets. Fair enough.
But preferences tend to shift when the checks are big and the games are meaningful. If Denver shows up with a serious offer and a vision for a featured role in a playoff-caliber offense, the Mile High chill might not seem so bad.
Bottom Line
There are always multiple needs to address in the offseason, but few are as urgent - or potentially transformational - as finding a true RB1. Travis Etienne isn’t just a fit for Denver; he’s a potential difference-maker. If the Broncos are serious about taking the next step, this is the kind of move that could get them there.