One big question surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason is what will happen to Travis Etienne. The former Clemson Tiger bounced back from an underwhelming 2024 and registered the third 1,000-yard season of his career. Now, he's scheduled to become a free agent, and there's no doubt that he'll draw interest from teams in need of help at running back if he's available.
Etienne himself has made it clear that he wants to return, but the prospect of cashing in may be too good to pass up. Currently, he has a market valuation of $34.5 million on a three-year deal. The Jags may have trouble giving him that kind of contract, but even if they bring him back — and there's a chance they won't because they're cap-strapped — he may take on a secondary role behind Bhayshul Tuten.
And that's the thing, regardless of what happens to Etienne, Tuten is ready to step up in Year 2.
Bhayshul Tuten is ready to become RB1 for the Jaguars
Tank Bigsby showed promise in 2024. However, a new regime took over, one that wasn't sold on him or Travis Etienne last year. That's why the Jags used a fourth-round pick on Bhayshul Tuten, a running back with top-end speed that loved to be physical.
Following the draft, there was chatter that Tuten could become the top option in the backfield to start the regular season. Back at the scouting combine, he scored position-bests at several categories. However, his biggest issue was that he had trouble holding onto the football, losing nine fumbles in his last two collegue seasons.
If Tuten fixed his fumbling issues, though, he was in a position to become RB1. But ultimately, Etienne made a strong impression in the offseason and got the starting nod.
Etienne opened the season as the starter, while Tuten took on a complementary role. Bigsby, for his part, was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles after just two weeks.
But as productive as Etienne was, Tuten was no slouch, registering 83 carries for 307 yards with five touchdowns last year. Moreover, he added 79 receptions with two touchdowns for 10 yards. His best game, though, was arguably against the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs.
Tuten found plenty of success running against the Bills, toting the rock four times for 51 yards. But shockingly, the Jags chose not to keep feeding him the ball in spite of how productive he was. Nevertheless, the Paulsboro, New Jersey native showed that he had big-play capability. And that could come in handy in 2026.
The Jaguars may make Bhayshul Tuten the starter even if Travis Etienne returns
The Jaguars would love to have Travis Etienne back, but if he leaves, the Jaguars are well-equipped to replace him with Bhayshul Tuten in the mix. The sophomore running back could step into the featured role, and the offense won't miss a bit.
Granted, he's still working on his ball security, with head coach Liam Coen jokingly saying that he's worried too much not to fumble. Working in his favor is that the Jags hired Brian Picucci as the run game coordinator. Along with running backs coach Chad Morton, they should be able to get the most out of the former Virginia Tech Hokie in Year 2.
All signs point to Bhayshul Tuten being ready to step up. Whether he pulls it up remains to be seen, but there's no doubt that the Jaguars will put him in a position to succeed.