As we head into the 2026 NFL offseason, four teams - the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars - could be in the market for a new lead running back. Each team has a different situation, but they all share a common thread: uncertainty in the backfield.
Let’s start in Jacksonville, where Travis Etienne just wrapped up a strong bounce-back season. After a disappointing 2024 campaign, Etienne reminded everyone why he was a first-round pick, racking up 1,107 rushing yards, 292 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns in 2025.
He was explosive, versatile, and a key piece of the Jaguars' offense. But now, he’s set to hit free agency, and Jacksonville has a decision to make.
The Jaguars are currently $21 million over the salary cap, so every dollar counts. Etienne has clear chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence - their Clemson connection is well-documented - and that continuity matters.
But with a tight cap and Bhayshul Tuten, a fourth-round pick from last year, waiting in the wings, Jacksonville may be forced to make a tough call. Etienne is projected to command a two-year, $13.6 million deal, and that might be too rich for a team trying to clean up its books.
If Etienne does hit the open market, Seattle could be a logical landing spot. Kenneth Walker had a solid season, but he’s also a pending free agent.
If his asking price gets too high, the Seahawks - who have plenty of cap space - could pivot to Etienne as a replacement. He brings more as a pass catcher, which could add a new dimension to Seattle’s offense.
The Seahawks have the flexibility to spend, and adding a dual-threat back like Etienne would align with their offensive evolution.
Houston is another team to watch closely. Joe Mixon missed all of last season with a foot injury, and the Texans are expected to move on.
That leaves Woody Marks and Jawhar Jordan as the only notable backs on the roster - not exactly a backfield that screams “ready to contend.” The Texans are firmly in win-now mode, and adding a proven veteran like Etienne would fill a clear need.
With cap space to spend and a roster built to compete, Houston could be one of the more aggressive suitors.
And then there’s Dallas. Javonte Williams delivered a strong season in 2025, and early indications suggest the Cowboys are planning to bring him back.
If that happens, they’re probably out of the Etienne sweepstakes. But if anything changes - whether it’s contract talks stalling or a shift in priorities - Dallas could re-enter the conversation.
For now, though, they seem the least likely of the four to make a move at running back.
So where does that leave us? Jacksonville still feels like the most natural fit for Etienne, but their cap situation complicates things.
Houston might be the next-best option - a team with a need, the money to spend, and a front office that’s not afraid to make bold moves. Seattle could get involved depending on how things shake out with Walker.
And Dallas? They’re a long shot unless something unexpected happens with Williams.
Etienne’s market will be one of the more intriguing storylines to watch this offseason. He’s proven he can be a featured back in this league, and teams in need of that kind of production won’t hesitate to make a call. Whether he stays in Jacksonville or finds a new home, he’s positioned himself for a solid payday - and a chance to keep making plays on Sundays.