As the preseason finale approaches, roster cutdowns and last-minute trades are set to dominate the NFL landscape. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, that means new general manager James Gladstone is likely making and taking phone calls.
While their roster is still largely unproven, many rookies and young, talented players are making their marks and earning the coaches' praise. This means that some of the long-standing veterans might find their positions less guaranteed than just a month ago.
Instead of simply cutting down to 53, the Jaguars may be able to flip depth into draft capital or bolster a few positions still in need. With multiple names drawing interest—and one in particular generating buzz—Jacksonville suddenly holds leverage in a market where demand outweighs supply. The question isn’t if calls are coming, but how bold the Jaguars will be in answering.
Related: Unsung Jaguars veteran's stock soaring following preseason game vs. Saints
The Browns may be interested in Travis Etienne
When are the Cleveland Browns not reeling from bad decisions? Their quarterback room is bursting with an odd assortment of personalities, and their second-round draft pick—running back Quinshon Judkins—still hasn't signed his rookie contract (we won't mention his domestic abuse charges that were recently thrown out).
Enter the Jaguars' running back room. We already talked about Tank Bigsby's trade potential, but the Browns might be looking for someone a little more proven. While Bigsby has had an upward-sloping career, fifth-year veteran Travis Etienne Jr. has a track record of versatility and reliability in both the run and pass game. At least, when he's given the chance to start.
Last season showed a shared workload in the backfield, with Bigsby getting more rushes—another sign that Etienne may be available for a trade.
Just like Bigsby, I wouldn't have thought a trade for a Jaguars RB was in the cards just a few weeks ago, yet rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. continue to impress both coaches and analysts at large. What's potentially most ironic is that the Jaguars might have a chance to recoup some of the very draft capital they traded to the Browns for the pick that brought rookie Travis Hunter to Jacksonville.
Nothing is certain until it's certain, but there's a chance Etienne may not be in a Jaguars uniform next week.
Related: Ascending Jaguars rookie just got a massive endorsement from Grant Udinski
Final thoughts
Most Jaguars fans would hate to see Travis Etienne go. He's been a solid presence in the backfield, even during the last two less-than-awesome seasons. But with Bigsby already proving he can start, and a pair of promising rookies, this might be the best opportunity to clear the roster and get something in return.