Expectations Building for Jaguars RB Travis Etienne's Free Agency

The star running back is set to hit the open market after a standout 2025 season.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to lose star running back Travis Etienne in free agency, as the 26-year-old is poised to receive significant interest on the open market. Etienne is coming off a 2025 season in which he rushed for 1,107 yards and 7 touchdowns, adding 36 receptions for 292 yards and 6 more scores. With the legal tampering period starting on March 9, the expectation is for Etienne to garner a contract worth over $8 million per year, potentially exceeding the recent deal signed by Cowboys RB Javonte Williams.

Why it matters

Etienne has been a key part of the Jaguars' offense since being drafted in the 1st round in 2022. Losing him would be a significant blow, as he has posted three 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his first four years. The Jaguars will need to determine if they can afford to retain Etienne or if they will need to find a replacement in free agency or the draft.

The details

Etienne is coming off a standout 2025 campaign in which he ranked 5th in the AFC and 11th in the NFL in rushing yards. He has established himself as one of the league's most versatile and productive running backs, excelling both as a runner and receiver. With the Jaguars unlikely to use the franchise or transition tag on Etienne, he will be free to test the open market, where he is expected to command a deal worth over $8 million per year based on recent running back contracts.

  • The legal tampering period for NFL free agency begins on March 9, 2026.
  • Etienne is set to enter his 6th NFL season in 2026.

The players

Travis Etienne Jr.

The Jaguars' star running back who is set to hit free agency after a standout 2025 season in which he rushed for 1,107 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Javonte Williams

The Cowboys running back who recently signed a deal that will likely set the floor for Etienne's negotiations.

Breece Hall

The Jets running back who is expected to either sign an extension or receive the franchise or transition tag before free agency.

Kenneth Walker III

The Seahawks running back who is generating significant outside interest and could depart Seattle in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Javonte Williams likely set the floor for negotiations for the top free agent running backs after agreeing to a strong deal that keeps him in Dallas and guarantees him $16 million over the next two seasons.”

— Dan Graziano, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

“The backs who sound like they have a good chance to top Williams' number are: Breece Hall, who will either get a deal done with the Jets before Tuesday's tag deadline or receive a franchise or transition tag. Kenneth Walker III, who sounds like he's generating enough outside interest to spell the end of his time in Seattle. Travis Etienne Jr., who sounds unlikely to be tagged by the Jaguars and should have a nice market.”

— Dan Graziano, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Jaguars will need to determine if they can afford to re-sign Etienne or if they will need to find a replacement in free agency or the draft. The legal tampering period begins on March 9, 2026, at which point Etienne will be free to negotiate with other teams.

The takeaway

Etienne's impending free agency highlights the challenges teams face in retaining star running backs, especially those with a history of production like Etienne. His potential departure would be a significant loss for the Jaguars, who will need to weigh the cost of keeping him against the impact of losing such a dynamic offensive weapon.