The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't Super Bowl-bound, but they finished 2025 having hugely improved over the year prior. That's led fans to feel optimistic that it will only get better from here. Yet there are still some big questions lingering in the air, especially pertaining to one of their biggest offensive stars.
Jaguars fans know and love Travis Etienne, the running back who is among the best in the league. 2025 was one of his best seasons, and yet, he may not remain with the Jags for long. Speculation has been swirling that he may be let go in free agency, even though he may not cost Jacksonville too much money.
It's been pointed out by analysts that the Jaguars signed two running backs in the draft — Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen — which could mean the Jags were already considering moving on. But with his third 1,000+ yard season in the books, Etienne won't have any trouble finding somewhere to land.
If Travis Etienne parts ways with the Jaguars, these teams could come calling
Travis Etienne is set to be a free agent for the first time in his career, and so far, Jacksonville has made no effort to resign him. If he does hit free agency, he will be in high demand, especially considering how good he is at such a low price.
There are plenty of teams that need a high-quality running back, but don't have a lot of money to spend, and you can guarantee they'll be interested in Etienne. Bleacher Report recently highlighted potential teams he could end up with, and one of them might be... a bit of a surprise.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are still Super Bowl contenders, but there will be a lot of work to do either way next season in their run game. The Denver offense is not the most consistent overall, and their backfield is a particular weak spot. Etienne would give a serious boost to their offense and make the Broncos much more of a threat in 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City's run game completely fell apart in 2025 (along with everything else), so they will be in the market for a new running back. They are ranked among the worst in the league for rushing yards per game, and Isaiah Pacheco has never been as good as he was during his rookie season. Etienne would offer them a running back who is both explosive and reliable, and the Chiefs definitely need that in their arsenal.
New York Jets
The team that is always rebuilding is — surprise! — looking to rebuild again. The Jets have racked up a ton of picks in the upcoming draft and have a good amount of money to spend. New York could be losing Breece Hall and see Etienne as a potential replacement. But with the amount of money and draft picks the Jets have at their disposal, this one seems a little bit less likely.
Dallas Cowboys
Javonte Williams just had himself a breakout season, and that's a huge problem for the Cowboys. They were able to get him for dirt cheap, and now, Dallas may not be able to afford to keep him. Enter Etienne, a dynamic running back with a low price tag, and you know the Cowboys will be curious. Etienne would be an upgrade from Williams and cost the team less, too.
Jacksonville Jaguars
That's right: Bleacher Report predicts that the Jags could end up choosing to keep Etienne around, despite the non-stop rumors suggesting he already has one foot out the door. Yes, Jacksonville has Tuten and Allen, both of whom show a lot of potential. But neither is ready to take on the RB1 role.
The Jaguars could easily choose to keep Etienne with the goal of continuing the Etienne-Tuten duo that was so effective this season, and give both of their new RBs the chance to develop before taking over the starting spot. Without Etienne, the Jags would need to find someone else to replace him at RB1, and honestly, what would even be the point of that?