Once again, the Jacksonville Jaguars have lost a star running back because of the cold business that is the NFL. The salary cap is real when it is and not so real when it isn't (I'm watching you, Buffalo), but every front office is limited by the mechanism, whether they like to admit it or not. In the Jags' case, Travis Etienne's $52 million market value was much too pricey for a team that has a lot of holes and no first-round pick to fill them with.
While there aren't any huge names left on the board, there are multiple running backs available in the open market for James Gladstone to choose from. Even better, a lot of these players should be affordable since they didn't receive a plethora of opportunities to show what they've got. One, in particular, should have his attention.
Throughout his short tenure as the Jaguars' head coach, Liam Coen has shown an interest in hiring staff members and players from franchises he's worked with in the past. That's good news for one emerging name on the open market, as Coen could be using a running back-by-committee approach in 2026.
Sean Tucker could leave the Buccaneers to join the Jacksonville Jaguars
Sean Tucker is a 24-year-old back who's entering his fourth year in the league. Last season was his most prolific year as a pro, as he racked up career highs in carries (86), rushing yards (320), and total touchdowns (eight). The Syracuse alum played each of his first three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which also means he spent the 2024 season learning under Coen's tutelage.
Coen's knowledge of Tucker's strengths and weaknesses gives the Jaguars a strategic advantage as they continue navigating the legal tampering period. For one, his lack of production in the past far should make him a realistic option for a team that doesn't have the ability to spend that much anyway. While that's a bleak way to look at things, the NFL isn't always the warmest place to be when it comes to contract negotiations.
The Bucs had three years to move Tucker up the depth chart but never did in spite of his nose for the end zone. For comparison's sake, Bhayshul Tuten, the Jaguars' projected RB1 heading into 2026, had 7 total touchdowns during his rookie campaign.
Thus, it's odd that one franchise feels confident enough to treat their halfback like the penciled-in starter during the legal tampering period while the other is willing to let their diamond in the rough test the market.
The pros are weird like that sometimes.
What's Sean Tucker's expected market?
According to Pewter Report, retaining Sean Tucker with the restricted tender would have cost the Bucs $3.5 million. Refusing to sign up for a dollar amount that low hints that Tampa probably wants to sign him to a multi-year contract that pays the same rate over the course of two years instead of one. A slightly better offer and chance to get more snaps could entice Tucker to choose the Jags over his old team.
A two-year, $5 million contract could be enough to get the transaction completed. If Tucker replicates his numbers from 2025, the Jaguars would be getting an absolute steal. However, the real dice roll is the possibility that he could improve once given more carries in a system that relies heavily on its running backs' production.
The Jaguars could opt to spend a draft pick on an even cheaper ball carrier, but Tucker's film in the pros gives scouts a better sense of security while judging how quickly he'd contribute to the team once he's signed. Any contract that costs $6.5 million or less would be a good deal for Jacksonville as they work to solve other problems throughout the week.