Travis Etienne just turned Jaguars game vs. Colts into a highlight reel

Running back Travis Etienne has been a key cog for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but because he's entering a contract year, his future beyond 2025 has been in doubt. The good news is that regardless of where he ends up, he's making sure that he'll get paid next offseason.

After the 2025 NFL Draft, trade speculation about Etienne surfaced in light of the Jags' decision to use a fourth-round pick on running back Bhayshul Tuten. Head coach Liam Coen quickly shut down the rumors, and the former Clemson Tiger has wasted no time rewarding the team's trust with his jaw-dropping play on the field.

Etienne is having his best season since 2022, and he's performance against the Indianapolis Colts is leaving no doubts that he deserves to get a new deal.

Travis Etienne is putting the Jaguars on his back vs. the Colts

Even with Bhayshul Tuten in the mix, Travis Etienne has started all 13 games for the Jaguars this season. Entering the Colts game, he had 843 yards on 181 carries for five touchdowns. His 4.7 yards per carry average is the second-best of his career. And against Indy, the Jennings, Louisiana native has made the most of his opportunities.

Before halftime, Etienne had already toted the rock eight times for 58 yards and reached the end zone twice. After cornerback Jarrian Jones scooped a forced fumble, the fifth-year running back broke off a 28-yard touchdown run.

Entering the game, the Jaguars were 8-4. Although there's a half to play as of this writing, it looks like they'll come out on top, especially after the leg injury quarterback Daniel Jones suffered early in the matchup.

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Travis Etienne is making things difficult for the Jaguars

There's no doubt that Travis Etienne has proved his worth. The issue is that he's one of many players who are in line to get paid, and the Jaguars don't have the space to pay all of them. They're currently slated to have $8 million in cap money for 2026, and even if they find a way to free up space, they'll need to make tough decisions.

Aside from Etienne, linebacker Devin Lloyd, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, and cornerback Montaric Brown, among others, are up for new deals. Lloyd, like Etienne, is having a banner season, and it won't be cheap to extend.

Couple that with the fact that the overall value of running backs has decreased the last 20 years, and the Jaguars may decide to let Etienne walk in free agency. Then again, he's certainly making things difficult for them. Sure, Bhayshul Tuten could be a realistic heir apparent, but Etienne is a proven commodity, so re-signing him most definitely warrants consideration.

In the end, it's hard to tell whether the Jaguars will re-sign Travis Etienne, but there's no doubt that he's done enough to earn a deal next year, and his performance against the Colts is proof of it.