Today is a great day to be a fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Their offense is back on track, the defense still hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher, and head Liam Coen is on his way to becoming a superstar. However, there will always be time to look ahead. In fact, some people within the team's front office are paid to think weeks, months, and even years into the future.
One issue the Jaguars' front office definitely needs to handle ahead of time is their decision regarding Travis Etienne's long-term future on the team. Recent research from Spotrac shows that a new contract for the former first-round pick could actually be kind of cheap. As of December 11, the sports contract database estimates that Etienne could command a market value of around $6.5 million per year.
The NFL appears to have gotten over its obsession with devaluing running backs, but Spotrac's estimations would be an absolute steal. The former Clemson standout is the Jaguars' leading rusher by a significant margin, and he's been a core member of the roster throughout the team's three winning seasons in five years.
Signing him to a two-year, $13 million dollar contract would give the franchise more than enough room to address its other roster issues. If they could swing it at this price, I think James Gladstone should get the paperwork drafted as soon as possible.
Travis Etienne's value with the Jaguars goes beyond the box score
Coming into this season, Travis Etienne understood that the coldest aspects of pro football could come his way. The fifth-year back said that he would focus on what he could control and block out the outside noise as much as he could. The outside noise he mentioned was questioning the player's place on Jacksonville's roster after Tank Bigsby's rise during the 2024 season and the franchise's decision to draft two RBs in the same draft.
Before Bigsby was traded away to the Philadelphia Eagles in September, the Jaguars had four backs on the roster at once. It felt like a bloated number then and would feel even more swollen now during Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen's solid rookie seasons.
During last week's 39-16 victory against the Indianapolis Colts, the multiple-time 1000-yard rusher put on a show against his division rival. In a game where everyone was worried about bottling up Jonathan Taylor, Etienne was the one who finished with 2 touchdowns and a 28-yard-long run.
As of now, Jacksonville's RB1 has 207 rushing attempts for 917 yards and 7 touchdowns. Through the air, Etienne hauled in 26 receptions for 181 yards and 2 scores in 2025. If the season ended today, Travis would have gained 1,000 or more all-purpose yards in three of his four professional seasons. That means the current regime has more than enough data to make a decision.
What will the Jacksonville Jaguars' final call be on Travis Etienne?
James Gladstone has proven that he's dedicated to elevating the quality of his roster by any means necessary. Travis Etienne was picked during the same draft as Tyson Campbell, so there's actually more evidence that Gladstone could be leaning towards letting the former All-American go than extending him mid-season.
If that's the case, the franchise would be placing a lot of faith in Tuten and Allen to act as the core of Liam Coen's rushing offense in 2026.
For the record, I think Etienne should be a Jaguar next year if he can be signed for only $6.5 million per year. Trying to find another back who A) understands the struggles Jacksonville's been through, B) has a great rapport with the franchise quarterback, and C) is almost guaranteed to give you 1,000 yards on the ground every year is too much to pass up for that price. Also, Travon Walker, Devin Lloyd, and the underwhelming safeties require attention from the front office as well.
In prior years, the two-time ACC Offensive Player of the Year would have been extended a long time ago. Unfortunately, Etienne having to prove himself in yet another playbook is a consequence of the change Jags fans were asking for by the end of last season.
With that, us fans have no control over what happens in the offices of Everbank Stadium. All we can do now is enjoy the ride and hold on until something happens.