The Jacksonville Jaguars have experienced several ups and downs the past four years. But throughout it all, Travis Etienne has remained a highly productive player. Coming off the third 1,000-year season of his career, he's now scheduled to become a free agent.
While fellow running back Kenneth Walker III will draw plenty of interest if he's available, Etienne should have no shortage of suitors either. In fact, an NFC team was just dubbed a potential destination for the 2021 first-round pick.
The Cardinals were dubbed a landing spot if the Jaguars let him leave in free agency
Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus drew up a list of potential destinations for the top running backs slated to become free agents and had Travis Etienne going to the Arizona Cardinals, noting that he could give their running game a much-needed boost under head coach Mike LaFleur. Here's the skinny.
"New head coach Mike LaFleur brings with him the experience of working under Sean McVay, and the diverse offensive philosophy that comes with it," Cameron wrote. "Last season, the Rams ran the eighth-most outside runs in the NFL during the regular season, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Etienne would flourish in a scheme that systematically attacks the outside, evidenced by his 90.5 PFF rushing grade on outside runs since entering the league."
Etienne certainly has the frame to run inside, but he excels in outside runs because of his change-of-direction speed and athleticism. He would most definitely be a better fit in LaFleur's system than Conner, whose better suited to tot the rock in-between tackles.
After dealing with a shoulder injury that hindered his production in 2024, Etienne racked up 260 carries for 1,107 yards with seven touchdowns last season. He also added 292 yards with six touchdowns on 36 receptions.
In a different article, PFF highlights the top 250 players expected to hit the open market and has a contract valuation of $34.5 million on a three-year deal for Etienne. That may exceed the Jags' budget, as they're currently $13.9 million over the cap.
On the other hand, there's a chance that the Card will cut Conner before free agency. If they do, the Jags could make a run for him and pair him up with sophomore Bhayshul Tuten if Etienne leaves.
Related: The Jaguars flip the roster into Super Bowl mode in Fansided's 3-round mock draft
The Jaguars could have trouble outbidding the Cardinals (and other teams) for Travis Etienne
Travis Etienne has made it clear that he would like to return to Jacksonville. He would probably need to take a hometown discount to stay, and the prospect of cashing in may be too tempting to pass up. At this point, the franchise tag is out of the question, as the Jags would need to pay him nearly $15 million for just one season.
The issue with using the tag, aside from the price, is that the Jags would have to take on the full cap hit in 2026, whereas the Jags could spread it to future years if they give him a contract. Either way, the team's brass may have trouble bringing back Etienne. Then again, he may have a better chance of returning than teammate Devin Lloyd, who'll be the top linebacker available in free agency.
There's still plenty of time to get a deal done before free agency starts on March 10, but nobody will bat an eye if Travis Etienne swaps the Black & Teal for Cardinal Red & White.