Travis Etienne trade rumors are making the rounds

The 1-5 Jaguars approach as there is a fork stuck in them. As the tines push against the outer layer of the epidermis, the question becomes whether there are players available that can be converted into future draft assets.

The most obvious name is running back Travis Etienne. As a first-round pick in 2021, Etienne has fallen behind Tank Bigsby as the best running back on the roster, according to many. So why not send Etienne to a team that wants to strengthen its backfield to compete?

He posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023 after missing his rookie year due to injury. So far this year he has gained 230 yards on 56 carries. That puts him on a pace of 651 rushing yards.

On Sunday, in a blowout loss to the Bears, he averaged a career-low minus-1 yards on three carries.

Bigsby has more yards (297) on almost fewer carries (41). He averages eight yards per attempt.

Etienne has a base salary of $2.418 million in 2024. That leaves $1.612 million left after six weeks – with $134,333 paid out per week.

The Jaguars picked up Etienne’s 2025 option and signed him to a guaranteed $6.143 million in 2025. Some teams might view this as a negative factor given the market at the position. (The Steelers did not pick up Najee Harris’ 2025 option, even though he had more yards than Etienne in 2023; 1,035 to 1,008.)

Regardless, Etienne might need a change of scenery. And a contender may need a boost to his position. An injury could create a need. Or maybe a pass-heavy team like Dallas is on the market.

If they can afford it. Because that’s their excuse for everyone they don’t pursue.