With free agency inching closer, the Jacksonville Jaguars will have to prioritize which players they'll keep. Linebacker Devin Lloyd is their most prominent player scheduled to hit the open market. However, he's far from the only Jags' pending free agent who could draw ample interest if he's available.
Running back Travis Etienne bounced back after an underwhelming 2024, toting the rock 1,107 yards with seven rushing touchdowns and hauling in 36 receptions for 292 yards with a career-best six receiving touchdowns last year. That should be enough to convince the Jags to re-sign him.
The Jennings, Louisiana native has made it clear that he wants to return to Jacksonville, noting that he wouldn't like to go to a team that plays in cold weather. But if he leaves, his perfect replacement could be available in free agency.
The Jaguars could pivot to Javonte Williams if Travis Etienne leaves in free agency
Pro Football Focus put together a list of the top 250 NFL players slated to become free agents in 2026. Travis Etienne popped up at No. 15. What stands out about his appearance is that PFF projects him to get a three-year deal worth $34.5 million with $22.5 million in guarantees.
That's a fair amount — and higher than Spotrac's market valuation — for a running back who has tallied over 1,000 yards three of the past four seasons. That said, the Jags could be cap-strapped this season. They're currently $13.9 million over the cap, so they may not be able to retain Etienne. In case he leaves, PFF listed several more affordable options. At No. 21, Javonte Wiliams would be one of them.
Like Etienne, Williams was a 2021 draftee but went in the second round instead of the first. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys last year and went on to have a banner season, racking up a career-best 1,201 yards with 11 touchdowns. PFF had a three-year, $23 million valuation for him in free agency.
Sure, Williams isn't nearly as good a pass catcher as Etienne, but the Jags wouldn't need him to be because he would join a Jacksonville backfield that already includes sophomores Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen.
William spent his first four NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos. His best campaign came in 2021 when he logged 903 yards and four touchdowns on 203 rushes. However, he wasn't nearly as productive the next three years, which is why he became a free agent in 2025.
The Jaguars would prefer Travis Etienne but Javonte Williams is an intriguing alternative
Ideally, the Jaguars would love to keep Travis Etienne. But in case they're not able to, Bhayshul Tuten could take on the RB1. Still, they would surely want to have a backfield committee. Granted, LeQuint Allen is still around, but he's better suited for a role as a pass-blocker and on third downs. That's where bringing in Javonte Williams would come in handy.
It's also important to point out that Williams is not a lock to hit the open market. Like plenty of players on PFF's list, he could end up re-signing with his current team. Nevertheless, he would be an appealing option to replace Etienne if Jacksonville can work out a deal.
Free agency is still a few weeks away, so the Jaguars have time to re-sign Travis Etienne. That said said, they should feel good about the alternatives if they can't pull it off.