Could Travis Etienne Jr. Be the Missing Piece in Kansas City’s Backfield?
The Kansas City Chiefs could be in for a major backfield shake-up - and Travis Etienne Jr. might just be the name to watch. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ star running back is set to hit free agency, and his potential fit in Andy Reid’s offense is as intriguing as it is tantalizing.
Let’s start with the basics: Etienne is a high-volume, high-impact player. Since bouncing back from a Lisfranc injury that wiped out his rookie season in 2021, he’s been remarkably durable, missing just two regular-season games in the past three years.
He’s also been consistently productive, racking up three 1,000-yard rushing seasons - including 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025. That’s not just steady work; that’s feature-back material.
And here’s where it gets interesting for Kansas City. The Chiefs’ running back room has felt like a revolving door lately.
Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt both averaged under four yards per carry last season, and by the end of the year, seventh-round rookie Brashard Smith was getting meaningful snaps. That’s not ideal for a team that thrives on offensive rhythm and versatility - especially one led by Patrick Mahomes.
Enter Etienne, who brings more than just ground-game consistency. He’s a legitimate dual-threat.
In three of his four seasons, he’s topped 50 targets in the passing game. In 2023, he hauled in 58 catches for 476 yards, and in 2025, he added a career-high six receiving touchdowns.
He’s not just a check-down option - he’s a weapon in space, a mismatch waiting to happen.
That kind of versatility could be exactly what Eric Bieniemy - returning to Kansas City as offensive coordinator - needs to open up the playbook. We’ve seen what the Chiefs’ offense looks like when it has a dynamic back who can both run and catch. Etienne could give them that and more.
Now, the Chiefs do hold a rare top-10 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is already being linked to them. He’s an exciting prospect, and Mel Kiper Jr. is clearly a fan.
But free agency always sets the tone for how a team approaches the draft. If Kansas City lands Etienne, that top-10 pick could be redirected toward another area of need - perhaps the offensive line, secondary, or even a pass rusher.
From Jacksonville’s perspective, losing Etienne would sting. He was their clear-cut No. 1 back in 2025, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence finishing second on the team in both rushing yards (359) and rushing touchdowns (2). Etienne led the way in every major rushing category, and his departure would leave a sizable hole in the Jaguars’ offense.
But for the Chiefs, this could be a calculated move - one that gives Mahomes another reliable weapon and helps stabilize a position that’s lacked consistency. Etienne’s ability to handle a heavy workload, contribute in the passing game, and stay on the field makes him an ideal fit for a Kansas City team that’s always looking to stay one step ahead.
If the Chiefs decide to make a splash in free agency, Etienne might be the kind of player who turns a good offense into a great one - again.