The Jacksonville Jaguars could be looking into a full-blown rebuild in 2025. They currently have one of the worst records in the league, and it may be a matter of time before they dismiss general manager Trent Baalke and head coach Doug Pederson. If they do get a fresh start, the Jags will need as many draft picks as they can get to address most of their needs. This begs the question, should they trade running back Travis Etienne? David Kenyon of Bleacher Report thinks they should.
Kenyon drew up a list of the NFL's best trade pieces for 2025 and included Etienne, arguing that the emergence of Tank Bigsby has made him expendable in Jacksonville.
"Heading into this season, Etienne seemed like a critical piece of the Jaguars' future. Instead, he's now sharing snaps with second-year tailback Tank Bigsby.
While this season hasn't gone as hoped for Etienne, he's turning only 26 in late January. It's reasonable to acknowledge that and place some of the blame for his disappointing 2024 campaign on the Jaguars' dysfunction.
Bigsby's presence makes Etienne expendable for the Jaguars, but they could still expect a worthwhile offer in trade conversations."
A first-round pick in the 2021 draft, Etienne missed his rookie campaign with a Lisfranc injury but showed in 2022 just how much of an impact he could have, registering 1,441 yards from scrimmage. He was equally productive the following year despite the fact that the offensive line struggled to open running lanes.
Fast forward to 2024, and Etienne has seen a dip in production. Injuries, Bigsby's presence, and the coaching staff's decision not to put a bigger emphasis on the run are the biggest reasons. However, the Louisiana native has a proven track record and would probably fare much better under different circumstances. That's precisely why he could be a trade candidate next season.
Other players who made the list are wide receiver Cooper Kupp (Rams), offensive guard Joel Bitonio (Browns), wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals), wide receiver Deebo Samuel (49ers), quarterback Geno Smith (Seahawks), and quarterback (Kirk Cousins).
The case for and against the Jaguars trading Travis Etienne in 2025
There's no doubt that Travis Etienne is a key contributor for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he plays a position that's vastly devalued in the last 20 years. Simply put, teams aren't willing to make a big investment in running backs because they could routinely get a good one in the second or the round. The Jags proved it when they selected Tank Bigsby in Round 3 of the 2023 draft.
Having said that, Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley are proving just how important the running back position is. Their former teams didn't want them but they're enjoying success with the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles, respectively. Something similar could happen with Etienne.
The former Clemson Tiger had his fifth-year option on his rookie deal picked up and is set to make $6.14 million. Add the fact that the running back has two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, and teams will probably show legitimate interest in trading for him. Then again, the Jaguars should consider keeping him for exactly the same reasons.
After all, Jacksonville will get a third or fourth pick in exchange for Etienne. Why not keep a proven playmaker and instead fill other roster holes with whatever cap space and draft picks the team has? Keep in mind that he's well-liked and respected in the Jags locker room and the organization will need players like him to steer the ship in the right direction.
The bottom line is that the Jaguars have a keeper in Travis Etienne, and unless they get an offer they cannot refuse for him, they should most definitely keep him. What they do with him beyond 2025, that's a discussion for a different time.