The winds of change are blowing in Jacksonville, and they're carrying the scent of a blockbuster move in the world of the NFL. With the Jaguars bringing Liam Coen on board, the writing seems to be on the wall for running back Travis Etienne's future with the team.
Coen, known for his effective utilization of running backs like Bucky Irving, might see his new favorite in rookie Bhayshul Tuten, scooped up in the fourth round of the 2025 Draft. This shift might just pave the way for Coen to mold the backfield in his vision.
For the Jaguars, Etienne is a valuable asset, and trading him could address other pressing needs within the squad. A talent like Etienne isn’t something you find every day, and Jacksonville knows this could fetch them substantial trade value.
Enter the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, before you raise an eyebrow, let’s lay it out.
Yes, the Chiefs boast Isiah Pacheco, who has been their powerhouse in the backfield. But in the NFL, depth is key, and versatility can be the difference between a playoff berth and an early vacation.
Etienne could be the puzzle piece Kansas City didn’t know they were missing.
Let’s Dive Deeper: Jacksonville’s Potential Move
The decision for the Jaguars might not be just about Coen's plans or Tuten’s potential. Last season, Tank Bigsby emerged as a standout, outperforming Etienne and causing the Jaguars' hierarchy to reassess their backfield dynamics.
Etienne's stats last season—2.48 yards after contact and only two games with more than 13 carries—reflect a performance hampered by an overall dysfunctional offense in 2024. With his contract ticking into the fifth-year option in 2025, and the team already parting ways with veterans from the old guard like Evan Engram and Christian Kirk, the timing might be just right for a new chapter.
Etienne in the Chiefs’ Offense: A Perfect Fit?
Let’s shift our gaze to Kansas City. Pacheco has proven himself a formidable force with back-to-back seasons surpassing 1,000 yards, but last season’s broken fibula stalled his momentum.
His post-injury performance—just 347 yards and a touchdown—left room for more support in the run game. Enter Travis Etienne, whose average of 4.3 yards per attempt and career total of 2,862 yards and 19 touchdowns bring a vibrant mix of stability and explosiveness to any offense.
And while Pacheco’s strength lies in his physical running game, Etienne offers Kansas City something more—his prowess as a pass-catcher. Not traditionally Pacheco’s forte, Etienne could fill this gap, providing Patrick Mahomes another versatile weapon. His NFL stats—1,076 receiving yards with an impressive average of 9.1 yards after the catch—show a talent untapped by the Jaguars and ripe for the Chief’s high-octane offense.
Imagine a Chiefs setup boasting a dual-threat backfield. Etienne’s all-around skill set paired with Pacheco’s hard-nosed rushing could redefine Kansas City's offensive dynamics, helping them keep defenses on their toes and steering clear of a season finale resembling last year's frustrations.
In the end, while speculation remains just that, the whisper of Etienne donning the Chiefs jersey adds an intriguing layer to this off-season’s narrative. Whether these pieces fall into place remains to be seen, but it’s worth keeping a keen eye on the developments out of Kansas City and Jacksonville. One way or another, it’s sure to inject some excitement into the NFL landscape.
