Running back Travis Etienne Jr. is preparing to enter free agency this offseason following a strong season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played a key role in their playoff appearance for the first time since 2022. Interest in Etienne is rising, with the Kansas City Chiefs reportedly among the teams pursuing him as they seek to bolster their backfield.
NFL insider Pete Sweeney shared insights on the potential move, stating,
“Ahead of Combine week, I’m hearing there’s legitimate interest from Travis Etienne to come to KC. Etienne’s due to become a UFA on 3/11, and the Chiefs need a running back. We’ll see.”
?Pete Sweeney, NFL insider
Chiefs Face Urgent Running Back Needs After Disappointing Season
The Kansas City Chiefs, valued at $6.2 billion by Forbes, recently completed their worst season under coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, finishing with a 6-11 record and missing the playoffs. Their defense, typically a strong point, could not compensate for offensive shortcomings, including the absence of a 1,000-yard rusher since Kareem Hunt’s rookie campaign in 2017.
Etienne, a proven workhorse back, could bring essential offensive versatility to the Chiefs. While the team currently includes running backs Kareem Hunt, Isiah Pacheco, and Brashard Smith, Etienne outperformed them in 2025 and would be an immediate starter if signed before the 2026 NFL draft.
Etienne’s Consistent Production with Jacksonville Highlights His Value
Drafted 25th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021, Etienne missed his rookie year due to a Lisfranc injury sustained during a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. He rebounded in 2022, featuring in all 17 games and starting 12, finishing with 220 carries, 1,125 rushing yards, and five touchdowns. His performance was instrumental in pushing the Jaguars into the playoffs, where they ultimately fell to the Chiefs in the divisional round.
Etienne maintained his high production in 2023 and 2025 with two more 1,000-yard seasons. However, with Bhayshul Tuten also on the Jaguars roster, the team might consider Etienne expendable in their roster planning for the future. Other potential suitors seeking a dependable running back of his caliber include the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and Arizona Cardinals.
Potential Implications for Chiefs and Free Agency Landscape
Landing Travis Etienne would provide the Chiefs with a dynamic element in the backfield, which could be critical as they aim to rebound from a disappointing season and reassert themselves as Super Bowl contenders. For Etienne, moving to a high-profile franchise like Kansas City presents an opportunity to showcase his skills on a bigger stage with strong championship aspirations.
As free agency opens on March 11, the NFL landscape should watch closely how negotiations unfold, particularly whether the Chiefs can secure Etienne before the 2026 draft reshapes rosters. His decision will likely influence several teams’ deadline moves and the overall balance of power in the league.
Ahead of Combine week, I’m hearing there’s legitimate interest from Travis Etienne to come to KC. Etienne’s due to become a UFA on 3/11, and the Chiefs need a running back. We’ll see.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) February 21, 2026
https://twitter.com/NFLPlus/status/2002884224039469305
