Jan. 28, 2026, 9:59 a.m. ET
Matt Bowen of ESPN recently ranked the top 50 free agents for the 2026 offseason, and included were three members of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Now, will these key players stay or go?
Coming in back-to-back and Nos. 18 and 19 were running back Travis Etienne and linebacker Devin Lloyd. Cornerback Greg Newsome was No. 34 on Bowen’s list.
Let’s take a look at what Bowen had to say about each player and then predict whether the Jaguars re-sign them.
RB Travis Etienne
What Bowen had to say: “Etienne looked more explosive in 2025, slashing through creases of daylight as a runner. His 26 rushes of 10 or more yards were tied for the 12th most in the NFL, and he’s more than capable as a receiver out of the backfield (36 catches in 2025).”
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Prediction: A difficult decision. I think the Jaguars would like to have Etienne back, but I believe he gets a bigger deal elsewhere. And with Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen on the roster, the Jaguars won’t be willing to pay what Etienne could earn from another team. Go.
LB Devin Lloyd
What Bowen had to say: “Lloyd’s on-the-ball production increases his value heading into free agency. He had five interceptions on the season, returning one for a touchdown. He’s a solid starter who flashed high-level ability this season.”
Prediction: Lloyd earned himself a big payday after his 2025 season. Other teams could offer more, but I think the Jaguars find a way to bring him back. He was far too impactful on defense to let go. Stay.
CB Greg Newsome
What Bowen had to say: “Newsome has only four career interceptions, but he has created on-ball production with 33 pass breakups over five seasons. He has the tools to match in man coverage, but he’s at his best in zone schemes that allow him to play with backfield vision.”
Prediction: The Jaguars are thin at cornerback, but the price has to be right for Newsome to return. After too many ups and downs in 2025, the Jaguars look elsewhere at cornerback. Go.