NFL Fans React To Travis Etienne, Kansas City Chiefs Rumor

2025 was a career year for Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, who had his third 1,000-yard season in just four years with the team. But with the Jaguars allowing his contract to expire, there are rumors that the Kansas City Chiefs will quickly make their pitch to him.

According to Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star, there is “legitimate interest” from the Chiefs in Etienne’s service ahead of the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine. Etienne would not only fill a position of serious need for the Chiefs, he would instantly turn that weakness into a strength.

“Ahead of Combine week, I’m hearing there’s legitimate interest from Travis Etienne to come to KC. Etienne’s due to become a UFA on 3/11, and the Chiefs need a running back. We’ll see,” Sweeney wrote on X.

A good fit, or not good enough?

NFL fans were skeptical of how good a fit Etienne might actually be for the Chiefs. Some pointed out that he’s basically an average running back who would demand above-average money and the Chiefs can’t afford that. Others believe that Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III or New York Jets star Breece Hall might be more dynamic options to fill the role.

“Yeah the chiefs paying top dollar for a RB who will touch the ball 12 times a game will fix all their issues. LOL,” one user mocked.

“Is he willing to take less money to play there? That’s the real question,” another remarked.

“No. No more average players. He’s 27 years old too. This isn’t some super explosive guy either,” a third wrote.

“Would be pretty insane for the Chiefs to do everything they can to maneuver any minimal cap space possible just to use it on a RB in FA. A horrible idea imo.”

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) rushes for yards during the third quarter of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]© Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images&period;

Etienne was a superstar at Clemson and went No. 25 overall to the Jaguars in the 2021 NFL Draft. He suffered a season-ending injury as a rookie but recovered with over 1,400 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns in 2022.

2023 was his real coming out party as he had 1,000 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns plus another 58 receptions for 476 yards and a touchdown. He finished ninth in the Offensive Player of the Year voting that season.

2024 was a down year but 2025 was yet another superb season – and right as he needed one.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

NFL Fans React To Travis Etienne, Kansas City Chiefs Rumor

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