In the competitive world of American football, the Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves teetering on the edge of irrelevance with a dismal 1-5 record. As the pressure mounts and the stakes rise, the question on everyone’s mind is whether any players on the struggling team can be turned into valuable assets for the future.
One player who stands out as a potential trade piece is running back Travis Etienne. A first-round pick in 2021, Etienne has failed to live up to expectations and has been overshadowed by Tank Bigsby on the depth chart. With rumors swirling about his potential departure, the time may be right to ship him off to a team in need of an offensive spark.
Etienne, who has a impressive track record with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, has underperformed this season with only 230 yards on 56 carries. In a humiliating loss to the Bears, he managed a career-low minus-1 yards on just three carries, raising doubts about his ability to make an impact on the field.
Comparatively, Bigsby has outperformed Etienne with 297 yards on 41 carries, boasting an impressive eight yards per attempt. With a stark contrast in production between the two backs, the Jaguars may be inclined to make a move to shake things up.
Financially, Etienne’s contract presents both challenges and opportunities for potential suitors. With a base salary of $2.418 million in 2024 and a fully-guaranteed $6.143 million in 2025, some teams may be hesitant to take on his hefty price tag, especially in a saturated market for running backs.
Despite the financial considerations, Etienne’s undeniable talent and potential for a fresh start could make him an attractive target for contending teams in need of a boost at the running back position. Whether it’s due to injury or a strategic shift in offensive philosophy, the demand for a dynamic playmaker like Etienne could be high.
One team that may be in the market for Etienne is the Dallas Cowboys, who have leaned heavily on the passing game in recent years. With a need for balance and versatility on offense, Dallas could be a potential landing spot for the dynamic running back.
However, as with any potential trade, affordability will be a key factor in determining the feasibility of a deal. As teams weigh the pros and cons of pursuing Etienne, financial constraints may ultimately dictate whether a trade comes to fruition.
In the high-stakes world of professional football, every decision carries weight and consequences. For the Jaguars and Travis Etienne, the future is uncertain, but one thing is clear – change may be on the horizon for both parties. In the words of a potential suitor, “If they can afford him. Because that’s their excuse for anyone they don’t pursue.”
