At 1-5, the Jaguars are on the verge of being hit with a pitchfork. When the teeth press against the outer layer of the epidermis, the question becomes whether a player is a future draft pick.
The most obvious name is running back Travis Etienne. Etienne, a 2021 first-round pick, is in the opinion of many, trailing Tank Bigsby as the best running back on the roster. So why not send Etienne to a team looking to strengthen their backfield to compete?
He had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023 after missing his rookie year to injury. So far this year, he has gained 230 yards on 56 carries. This put him on pace for 651 rushing yards.
In Sunday’s blowout loss to the Bears, he had a career-low -1 yard on three carries.
Bigsby gained more yards (297) on almost fewer carries (41). He averages 8 yards per attempt.
Etienne’s base salary in 2024 is $2.418 million. After six weeks, you will have $1,612,000 remaining, or $134,333 per week.
The Jaguars picked up Etienne’s 2025 option, giving him a fully guaranteed contract worth $6.143 million in 2025. Some teams may see that as a negative factor considering the market at the position. (The Steelers did not pick up Najee Harris’ option for 2025, even though he had more yards than Etienne in 2023 (1,035 vs. 1,008).)
In any case, Etienne may need a change of pace. And the candidate may need a boost in that position. Injuries may create needs. Or maybe a heavily pass-biased team like Dallas enters the market.
If they can afford it. Because that’s their excuse for someone they don’t pursue.
