After the trade speculation all offseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars running back, Travis Etienne, is a possible cut candidate before the 2025 regular season. According to Bleacher Report, Etienne may have been shutting down the trade rumors, but it doesn’t guarantee him safe from a possible release. Originally selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Clemson product is coming off one of the worst campaigns, but he’s confident that he fits into the new system under head coach Liam Coen. However, it looks like the new starting running back, Tank Bigsby, will eat up the majority of the snaps, which puts Etienne on the back burner since he’s already entering his contract year this season.
It’s easy to see why the Jaguars are keeping Etienne rather than trading him to a new roster. After his disastrous 2024 campaign, they wouldn’t have gotten any high-viable return for his services, so if he falls flat this upcoming season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Jaguars decide to release him before he becomes a free agent next offseason. Of course, since the Jaguars are rebuilding again, the team could first make Etienne available for a trade before deciding to release him. However, Etienne did generate back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023 with the team, so the production is there, and these five teams may pursue him if the Jaguars don’t keep him.
Report: Former Jaguars First Rounder Travis Etienne Named Cut Candidate
Possible Next Teams
Dallas Cowboys
Despite signing two free agents, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, to salvage the running back unit, the Dallas Cowboys still have one of the worst backfield groups in the league. 2025 draft pick Jaydon Blue is the only runner who has some bright potential. Etienne doesn’t need to make an immediate impact, but he does have the speed to turn this running room from ugly to explosive.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens could be in the market for a running back. Despite Derrick Henry’s contract extension, he isn’t getting any younger, and Keaton Mitchell has yet to prove to top over 1,000 yards in one season. Etienne is more proven if he can stay consistent and take over as the starter once Henry runs out of gas.
Kansas City Chiefs
However, the running back situation for the Kansas City Chiefs looks to be unique, as surprisingly, Isiah Pacheco is on the hot seat. The expectation is that he will break out, but with Kareem Hunt returning and the team signing Elijah Mitchell, it might be difficult for that to happen. Etienne might be the answer that Pacheco is missing, and the Chiefs could easily use the boost to turn this new duo into a new Sonic and Knuckles.
New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara is one of the league’s best running backs, but he is getting up there in age. This offseason, the team let go of Jamaal Williams after two slow back-to-back campaigns. Etienne doesn’t need to start, but slowly pick up where he left off and formulate one of the biggest run threats in New Orleans since they don’t have an adequate quarterback room either way.
Washington Commanders
After an impressive 2024 season led by quarterback Jayden Daniels and the new Washington culture, the running back unit is still their weak point. Brian Robinson Jr. hasn’t been utilized last year, and the hope is that he can get more involvement in this offense alongside Austin Ekeler. They may need a boost in their arsenal, and target Etienne to provide more juice to make this team a well-rounded, speedster offensive unit.
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