The Jacksonville Jaguars will likely use former first-rounder running back Travis Etienne as trade bait during the NFL Draft. According to a report, since Etienne will become a free agent in March, the Jaguars could try to trade to garner some draft capital. It’s obvious the team is rebuilding once again since firing former head coach Doug Pederson, so Etienne would head elsewhere to start a new role where he could be a servicable backup. Originally selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Clemson product became the staple of this ground game of Jacksonville, leading the first two seasons and topping 1,000 rushing yards each.
The emergence of Tank Bigsby has been running all over the place, so Etienne no longer fits in this system. After trading Chrisitian Kirk and releasing Evan Engram, it’s only a matter of time before the running back is available. The Jaguars had one of the worst seasons in team history, but Etienne had it hard, not able to exceed 600 yards. Despite that, it shouldn’t be too hard for the former first-rounder to find work, as plenty of teams are looking to add a new running back.
Jaguars Could Use Former First Rounder Travis Etienne as Trade Bait – 5 Possible Suitors
Potential Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
It’s now or never for the Kansas City Chiefs’ ground game as it’s questionable this upcoming season. Isiah Pacheco would have earned himself a new deal, but the Chiefs may release him if he can’t stay healthy or be productive. Veteran Kareem Hunt came out of retirement and became a reliable runner, so the team is probably going into season with another offense dilemma. Despite that, the Chiefs did sign Elijah Mitchell to brush up the backfield room, and the team could easily improve it by adding Etienne to provide legitimate competition for Pacheco.
Los Angeles Chargers
Last season, head coach Jim Harbaugh was hoping to have a reliable running game as he wants to win football games that way. J.K. Dobbins was below average before beginning to suffer from injuries again midweek, and Gus Edwards did not play up to standards like Harbaugh was hoping. Najee Harris might be their best addition to what the head coach wants, but the Chargers could have ferocious speed trading for Etienne.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Ravens could use another backup. Keaton Mitchell has some hope this upcoming season, but no one should depend on him to help veteran Derrick Henry, who’s entering the final year of his contract. Etienne might not win the starting job, but he has the speed to be a bigger version of Justice Hill.
New Orleans Saints
For the Saints, they might have to depend on the run game since the quarterback room is questionable, as Derek Carr will likely miss the season. New Orleans has one of the best running backs in the league in Alvin Kamara, and they can’t let him go to waste. The Saints should trade for Etienne to bolster this unit and have head coach Kellen Moore create a heavy game plan on the run.
Washington Commanders
Brian Robinson Jr. is reportedly on the trade block. Even though Austin Ekeler is coming back, there’s no telling how long that will last as he’s signing just a one-year deal again. The Commanders should put Jayden Daniels in the best position, as the ground game was the only weak point of this offense.
The post Jaguars Could Use Former First Rounder as Trade Bait appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.