The Jacksonville Jaguars surpassed expectations during Liam Coen’s inaugural season as head coach, finishing with a strong 13-4 record and securing the AFC South division title. Despite a narrow 27-24 defeat to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round, the team’s performance set a positive tone for the future. Now, as the offseason approaches, the Jaguars face challenging decisions regarding key free agents, most notably running back Travis Etienne Jr.
Etienne emerged as a standout performer throughout the 2025 season, carrying the ball 260 times for 1,107 rushing yards and scoring seven touchdowns. His average of 4.3 yards per carry was the best since his rookie year. Additionally, Etienne demonstrated his versatility by catching 36 passes for 292 yards and six receiving touchdowns. At 27 years old, while entering the latter part of a typical running back’s career, he still appears capable of delivering high-level production.
Arizona Cardinals: A Promising Spot for Youth and Offensive Revitalization
The Arizona Cardinals present a compelling option for Etienne as they seek to bolster their backfield with youthful talent. With new head coach Mike LaFleur taking charge, the team could benefit from a fresh approach to their offensive scheme. Veteran James Conner, who will be 31 by the start of the 2026 season, is a likely candidate to be released, and Trey Benson’s underwhelming performance leaves a void behind.
The Cardinals, with over $42 million in salary cap space, are well-positioned to invest in a reliable running back who can provide stability during a rebuilding phase. Football analyst Mason Cameron highlighted Arizona as a fitting destination for Etienne, noting,
“New head coach Mike LaFleur brings with him the experience of working under Sean McVay, and the diverse offensive philosophy that comes with it,” Mason Cameron wrote. “Last season, the Rams ran the eighth-most outside runs in the NFL during the regular season, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Etienne would flourish in a scheme that systematically attacks the outside, evidenced by his 90.5 PFF rushing grade on outside runs since entering the league.”
This offensive strategy aligns well with Etienne’s strengths on outside runs, making the Cardinals a strong candidate to pursue him in free agency.
Houston Texans: Maintaining AFC South Continuity with Etienne
Another notable potential destination is the Houston Texans, allowing Etienne to remain within the AFC South. The Texans face gaps at running back after Joe Mixon missed all of the 2025 season and his availability for 2026 remains uncertain. Additionally, Houston is not expected to re-sign Nick Chubb, leaving them with limited depth behind Woody Marks and Jawhar Jordan.
Etienne’s dual-threat ability would make him an ideal fit for the Texans, offering a consistent offensive weapon who could operate effectively across three downs. He could become a crucial target for quarterback C.J. Stroud, providing a reliable checkdown option that turns short passes into significant yardage gains.
Although Houston is currently about $1.5 million over the 2026 salary cap, their financial situation improves substantially after that year, potentially allowing them to accommodate Etienne’s contract demands. The main concern for the Texans would be the current struggles of their offensive line, which might limit running back performance unless addressed this offseason.
A Possible Return to Jacksonville: Challenges and Considerations
Despite the opportunities elsewhere, Etienne returning to the Jaguars remains a viable scenario, especially considering his successful 2025 campaign with the team. However, financial constraints make this reunion complicated. Jacksonville starts the offseason $11.43 million over the salary cap, making it difficult to retain all their top talent without significant roster adjustments.
The presence of cost-effective backups like Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. may lead the Jaguars to prioritize salary cap relief over maintaining Etienne. While a hometown discount from Etienne could ease these financial pressures, it is uncertain whether this would be feasible or desirable for the franchise amid their rebuilding efforts.
Impact and What Lies Ahead for Travis Etienne
Travis Etienne Jr. is positioned to command a lucrative contract given his standout dual-threat performance last season, with estimates from Spotrac suggesting a market value of around $6.8 million annually over a two-year deal worth $13.63 million. His next move will significantly influence the shape of the teams interested in securing his skills, particularly those looking for a dynamic presence in their running game.
Whether he chooses to shake up the AFC South by joining the Texans, take advantage of Arizona’s enticing rebuild under Mike LaFleur, or attempt to stay in Jacksonville amidst salary cap challenges, Etienne’s decision will be pivotal for his career trajectory. For the Jaguars, losing Etienne could mean a significant hole to fill, while for potential suitors, it could be an opportunity to enhance offensive versatility and explosiveness moving forward.
