There are a handful of gifted running backs on the free-agent market this NFL offseason, perhaps none more talented than Travis Etienne Jr.
On Monday, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton predicted that Etienne will leave the Jacksonville Jaguars and sign a new deal with the Denver Broncos, who fell to the New England Patriots in the 2025 AFC Championship Game.
“Arguably the best running back set to test free agency, Travis Etienne Jr. has eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in three out of his four NFL seasons,” Moton wrote. “He’s finished with double-digit touchdowns from scrimmage in two of his campaigns.”
“Last offseason, many wondered if the Jacksonville Jaguars were going to trade Etienne after they drafted Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. in the fourth and seventh rounds, respectively. He responded by bouncing back from an injury-riddled 2024 campaign and racking up 1,399 scrimmage yards along with a career-high 13 touchdowns.”
“According to the Kansas City Star’s Pete Sweeney, Etienne is interested in signing with the Kansas City Chiefs,” Moton continued.
“If Etienne signs with Kansas City, he would be the lead ball-carrier for a team that needs more offensive balance as quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovers from a torn ACL. However, the Chiefs have limited cap space, which could be a factor in their pursuit of Etienne if he wants the best deal on the table.”
“The Denver Broncos would be an ideal suitor for Etienne,” Moton asserted. “They can pay him a top-dollar salary with $28.7 million in cap space, and he would likely take over the featured position.”
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