Feb. 21, 2026, 5:57 p.m. ET
Before free agency begins, the Dallas Cowboys have re-signed running back Javonte Williams. So what might this mean for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Travis Etienne, who is set to be a free agent this offseason?
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Williams is signing a three-year deal worth $24 million. ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that $16 million is guaranteed.
Williams put together a career year in 2025, rushing for 1,201 yards with 13 total touchdowns.
Williams was considered one of the top free-agent running backs this offseason. With him earning $8 million per year on his new deal, that helps give us an idea of where the running back market might land.
While not the be-all end-all, if we look at Pro Football Focus’ free agent rankings, Williams was the 31st-ranked player overall and the sixth-best running back.
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Etienne is PFF’s 15th-ranked free agent and the third-best running back. So if NFL teams evaluate the running back position similarly, Etienne’s next deal could be over the $8 million per year mark that Williams earned.
Including the playoffs, Etienne rushed for 1,174 yards in 2025 — the third time in his career he eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards. He also made plays in the passing game. He brings a well-rounded skill set to the position.
Although he was a big part of the Jaguars‘ offense, Etienne could potentially end up elsewhere this offseason, earning more in free agency with a new team.
The Jaguars did plan ahead for this upcoming free agency period, when they used two draft picks last April to select Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen, both of whom shared the RB2 role behind Etienne as rookies.
One recent report connected Etienne to the Kansas City Chiefs.