While other teams have begun to make moves ahead of free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars have been relatively quiet. Then again, it's just a matter of time before they join the fun. Just recently, Matthew Berry of NBC Sports wrote that he expects the Jags to trade three mainstay offensive players. One of them is running back Travis Etienne, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have become a potential fit for him in light of a recent Najee Harris update.
Nick Farabaugh of PennLive reports that the Steelers are unlikely to re-sign Harris, noting that his projected price tag of $8 million-10 million per year exceeds their budget.
"However, sources tell PennLive that Harris’s return to the Steelers is unlikely. He will likely earn between $8-10 million on the open market, a number the Steelers are unwilling to match."
The scoop came after Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette broke the news that the fifth-year running back met with the Pittsburgh brass at the NFL scouting combine. That said, Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Shows doubts the sincerity of the meeting, arguing that the Steelers were just "covering their rear end there."
Like Etienne, Harris was a first-round pick in the 2021 draft. He's crossed the 1,000-yard line each of the past four seasons but has at times been outplayed by teammate Jaylen Warren, which has routinely cast doubt in his future with the Steelers.
The Alabama product has proven to be durable, toting the rock 1,097 times for 4,312 yards with 28 touchdowns in 68 career games. All things considered, those are pretty good numbers, but it looks like Pittsburgh doesn't think that kind of production warrants a contract that pays him an annual average of $8 million. On the other hand, it could be a bit tough to replace him.
The Steelers currently hold the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. By then, Ashton Jeanty, the top running back in this year's class will be gone. They could go after Omarion Hampton, but they have more pressing needs so there is a chance they won't.
If Pittsburgh passes on Hampton, their chances of finding a starting-caliber running back in Round 2 will decrease. That could prompt them to give the Jaguars a call.
Related story: Updated cap space and draft picks for the Jaguars in 2025
Why the Steelers may give the Jaguars a call about Travis Etienne
Travis Etienne missed his rookie season with a Lisfranc injury but became an integral piece of the Jaguars offense in 2022, registering over 1,400 yards from scrimmage. While his yard-per-carry average suffered a dip the following season, he still managed to get over 1,000 rushing yards. However, the former Clemson Tiger is coming off an underwhelming year due to injuries and the presence of Tank Bigsby.
Etienne is now entering a contract year. He's set to make $6.1 million, but none is guaranteed. That has led to speculation about his future with the Jags in 2025. There's a strong chance he could bounce back if he avoids injuries. Moreover, the front office is expected to beef up the offensive line, so he should most definitely see an uptick in production. Having said that, Bigsby was arguably better last year, and the prospect of getting a draft pick may be too good to pass up.
Sure, it would make sense to keep him around. The Jaguars would have enviable depth at running back, but the new regime may prefer to move on with him and find a complementary back for Bigsby in the draft.
The bottom line is that Travis Etienne could still help the Jacksonville Jaguars, but nobody will bat an eye if he's playing somewhere else in 2025.