Travis Etienne's Decline Could Lead to Jaguars Trade Decision
The Jacksonville Jaguars are making it clear this offseason: complacency won't be tolerated.
According to Mark Long of the Associated Press, even entrenched starters like offensive tackles Walker Little and Anton Harrison are expected to earn their roles during training camp. That approach underscores a broader shift within the organization—one focused on raising the roster's ceiling through relentless competition at every position.
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But this isn't just coach-speak or motivational fluff. The front office appears to be backing it up with action, quietly reshaping the roster in ways that could push multiple veterans out of the picture entirely.
Among those under the microscope is running back Travis Etienne Jr.—and not just because of stats.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, league executives say Jacksonville's new regime of coaches and executives is 'not so high' on Etienne. That includes new general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen, both of whom have brought a new philosophy to town.
Rookie Bhayshul Tuten, in particular, is viewed as someone who could carve out an immediate role in the backfield. That spells trouble for Etienne, who was already trending downward entering the offseason.
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It's been a rollercoaster ride for the former first-rounder. After missing his rookie year with a Lisfranc injury, Etienne exploded across the 2022 and 2023 seasons with 2,925 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns—earning a spot in the top 10 of Offensive Player of the Year voting in 2023. But that momentum didn't carry over.
In 2024, Etienne started all 15 games he played but was regularly out-snapped and out-produced by second-year back Tank Bigsby. He finished the season with just 558 rushing yards, 254 receiving yards, and two total touchdowns—all career lows.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) rushes for yards during the second quarter © Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Now entering a contract year and facing declining usage and internal support, Etienne's future in Jacksonville looks uncertain. The Jaguars may decide to move on entirely, flipping him for draft capital rather than risk losing him in free agency with nothing in return.
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And Etienne may not be alone. If other veterans like Little, Harrison, or additional established players fail to hold off the influx of young talent, the Jaguars could emerge as a surprise seller before Week 1.
In Jacksonville, a new era has clearly arrived—and some familiar names could be on the move because of it.
Related: Hunter Renfrow Returns to NFL With Familiar Jersey Number, Faces Former QB Trevor Lawrence Week 1
Related: Clemson Pockets ACC's $45 Million But Financial Fight Far From Over
Related: Billy Napier Reflects on Clemson Firing by Dabo Swinney That Changed Everything
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