Travis Etienne’s future with the Jacksonville Jaguars is incredibly vague right now. While Etienne continues to be a highly productive running back, and one who is a sought-after prospect in free agency, the Jaguars inevitably are running into the issue of not being able to afford to keep him around.
One NFL insider does not believe that Etienne will return to the Jaguars.
Advertisement
Additionally, Bhayshul Tuten is showing a lot of promise and is expected to take over at RB1, possibly sharing the role with LeQuint Allen. Still, the Jaguars will need more depth at the position, if nothing else, and hopefully, a playmaker who can eventually fill Etienne’s shoes.
There are options to replace Etienne, both among free agents and the draft. Here are just a few they should consider.
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Gainwell will be a more affordable option for the Jaguars to pursue in free agency, but don’t take that to mean he isn’t a playmaker. He was named the Steelers’ team MVP and had a breakout season in 2025. In addition to excelling on the run, he can catch and block, making him a great option for the Jaguars to consider.
Advertisement
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
It may have appeared that Allgeier’s future was cut short when the Falcons drafted Bijan Robinson. Yet he still proved that he’s a talented, capable RB2 and remained efficient, even as Robinson’s star rose. He’s still among the highest-graded running backs in the league, and is a good option for cash-strapped teams… like the Jags.
Jadarian Price, University of Notre Dame
Price didn’t have a heavy workload at Notre Dame, which is why he’s expected to go in a later round, and that works out perfectly for Jacksonville. Price is an explosive playmaker who could do well behind Tuten and Allen, and has a lot of upside and potential for the future.
Advertisement
Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Allen was Penn State’s leading rusher in 2025, and while he isn’t as explosive or athletic as some other running backs, he could work well for Jacksonville to take in a later round. He could easily rotate in and help wear down defenses, working behind Tuten and Allen.
Emmett Johnson, University of Nebraska
After a disappointing showing at the NFL Combine, Johnson is expected to fall pretty far in the draft. But he was still an excellent running back at Nebraska, and would work well as a complementary back for Tuten and Allen. He isn’t explosive, but he’s efficient and reliable.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 5 Jaguars NFL draft, free agency options if Travis Etienne leaves