The future of Travis Etienne with the Jacksonville Jaguars hangs in the balance as he approaches free agency next month. The running back, who was drafted in the first round by the Jaguars, just completed what many consider the best season of his career. Etienne rushed for over 1,000 yards for the third time in four seasons, finishing with 1,107 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 260 carries.
According to a report by Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star, there is potential interest from Etienne”s camp in joining the Kansas City Chiefs. As the clock ticks down to the start of free agency, the Jaguars face the challenge of either securing a new deal for Etienne or watching him sign elsewhere. Unless a contract is agreed upon by March 11, he will be free to negotiate with other teams.
The Jaguars have options to retain Etienne, including the possibility of placing a franchise or transition tag on him. The deadline for tagging players is set for March 3. If the Jaguars opt to tag Etienne, they would have until July 15 to finalize a long-term agreement. However, indications suggest that tagging him is not a likely scenario.
In the 2025 season, Etienne”s performance was notable; he ranked fifth in the AFC and 11th in the entire NFL for rushing yards. His impressive stats also included 36 receptions for 292 yards and six receiving touchdowns, leading the Jaguars with a total of 13 touchdowns. His ability to score a receiving touchdown on 11.5 percent of his targets ranked fourth in the NFL among players with at least 50 targets. This season marked a significant achievement, as he became one of only three players since 1999 to rush for over 1,000 yards while scoring on at least 10 percent of his targets.
As the Jaguars navigate this crucial period, they must make strategic decisions regarding Etienne”s future. Without a commitment from the team, they could face fierce competition for his services from teams like the Chiefs, especially as the NFL Scouting Combine approaches, a time when discussions about potential deals often heat up.
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