Travis Etienne Jr. on the Trade Block Amid Impressive Start
The Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves at a crossroads in their backfield plans, and Travis Etienne Jr. might not be part of the team’s future. After trading away fellow running back Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles, speculation is mounting that Etienne could be the next to go as the November 4 trade deadline approaches.
Potential Trade Candidate
ESPN’s Dan Graziano has identified Etienne as a significant trade prospect as the Jaguars look to make room for rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen. This move would not only streamline the roster but also provide opportunities for emerging talent.
Graziano highlights Etienne’s strong performance under the new coaching staff, which envisions him as a crucial component of offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s system. “Etienne is off to an excellent start,” Graziano notes, emphasizing the coaching staff’s confidence in his fit for the Jaguars’ evolving game plan.
Impressive Early Season Performance
Through the first two weeks of the season, Etienne has displayed remarkable prowess on the field, currently ranking second in the NFL with 214 rushing yards. This dynamic output showcases his ability to perform at a high level, even amid trade rumors.
Adding to the complexity of his situation is the fact that Etienne is in the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, with no guarantees beyond this season. This contract status further fuels the possibility of a trade, as teams looking for a reliable running back might find his current form appealing.
The Jaguars are faced with a critical decision-making period as they balance the immediate benefits of Etienne’s contributions with potential long-term strategic moves. As the trade deadline looms, all eyes will be on Jacksonville to see if they decide to capitalize on the value of their talented running back or keep him as a key player in their offensive lineup.
