Travis Etienne picked the perfect time to remind the league just how dynamic he can be. After a down year in 2024, the Jaguars’ star running back came roaring back in 2025, racking up 1,107 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
It wasn’t just a statistical rebound-it was a full-on resurgence. Etienne looked like the explosive, dual-threat back Jacksonville envisioned when they took him in the first round back in 2021.
And now, with free agency looming, Etienne is poised to be one of the most coveted skill position players on the market.
What made this bounce-back campaign even more impressive was how integral Etienne was to Jacksonville’s success. Under new head coach Liam Coen, the Jaguars went 13-4 and captured the AFC South crown.
Trevor Lawrence took a major step forward, and Etienne’s presence in the backfield played a big role in that. His ability to keep defenses honest with his burst, vision, and receiving chops gave Lawrence the balance he needed to thrive.
In what might have been his final game in a Jaguars uniform, Etienne left it all on the field-116 total yards and a touchdown in a heartbreaking 27-24 Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills. It was a fitting performance for a player who’s quietly been one of the league’s most consistent backs when healthy.
Over his first four seasons, Etienne has piled up 3,798 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. That’s three 1,000-yard seasons in four years-production that doesn’t go unnoticed around the league.
The big question now: will Jacksonville find a way to keep him?
The Jaguars are entering a tricky financial window. Trevor Lawrence’s massive $275 million extension kicks in this year, and that’s going to tighten the cap situation.
Re-signing Etienne would be ideal, but only if the price is right. Jacksonville could look for a cheaper option, but finding someone who can replicate Etienne’s versatility and impact is easier said than done.
If Etienne hits the open market, he won’t be waiting long for suitors. According to reports, the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs are all potential landing spots-and each one makes sense in its own way.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys quietly put together a top-10 rushing attack in 2025, thanks in large part to a career year from Rico Williams.
But upgrading to Etienne would be a game-changer. His ability to make defenders miss in space and contribute as a receiver would take pressure off Dak Prescott and give Dallas a more balanced offensive identity.
If they want to take the next step and return to true contender status, adding a weapon like Etienne could be the move that gets them there.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are in win-now mode, and they know it.
RJ Harvey has shown promise, but Denver could use a proven veteran to share the load. Etienne fits that bill perfectly.
He’s a back who can handle 20+ touches a game, grind out tough yards, and still break off explosive plays. A Harvey-Etienne duo wouldn’t just be complementary-it could be one of the most dangerous backfield tandems in the league.
Kansas City Chiefs
Then there’s Kansas City, where things are more uncertain than usual.
Patrick Mahomes is recovering from a torn ACL, and the offense lacked consistency down the stretch. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt gave them effort, but the Chiefs haven’t had a true every-down threat at running back in a while.
Etienne could change that. He’s the kind of back who can run between the tackles, bounce it outside for chunk plays, and contribute heavily in the passing game.
In short, he’s exactly the kind of player who could take pressure off Mahomes and keep the offense humming.
Of course, staying in Jacksonville still makes a lot of sense for Etienne. He knows the system, has chemistry with Lawrence, and the Jaguars are building something special.
With 2025 Heisman winner Travis Hunter expected to take on a bigger role on defense, the young core in Duval is only getting stronger. If Etienne wants to get paid and compete for a title, the Jaguars remain a very attractive destination.
But if he decides to test the market? Get ready for a bidding war. Because Travis Etienne is back-and the league knows it.