March 6, 2026, 10:09 a.m. ET

It’s been assumed that Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne will be leaving, as he has become too expensive to keep. Though the Jaguars were recently able to create more cap space, Etienne is an in-demand free agent, and the writing was already on the wall following the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Jaguars drafted two running backs — Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen — both of whom had impressive rookie seasons behind Etienne. Tuten in particular had a big impact on the offense despite playing limited snaps, which only furthered the suspicion that Jacksonville was preparing for the inevitable.

Still, Etienne had an excellent season under Liam Coen, once again breaking the 1,000-yard mark, and there’s no doubting that he continues to be one of the most solid running backs in the league right now. That’s exactly why there is so much interest in him. Yet the latest projected landing spot will have Jaguars fans cringing.

Dan Graziano gave his prediction for 20 free agents in his latest for ESPN, and one of the free agents he included was Etienne, who he projected would land with Jacksonville’s most hated rival: the Tennessee Titans.

Much like Walker, Etienne has multiple teams interested and can continue a surprisingly good year for the top of the free agent RB class. Jacksonville drafted two running backs in last year’s draft, so it can move on from Etienne. The 27-year-old was 11th in rushing last season at 1,107 yards.

Predicted landing spot: Tennessee Titans

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While no Jags fan would want to see their star running back land in Tennessee, this prediction is a little unusual. The Titans are essentially in the same position as the Jaguars; they have a good running back in Tony Pollard, who has eclipsed 1,000 yards in each of the last three seasons.

However, Pollard could be a salary cap casualty. The Titans would save themselves millions by releasing him, and while Etienne is a better running back than Pollard is, it seems hard to understand how the Titans could afford one of the most sought-after running backs in free agency if they can’t afford Pollard.