ESPN Suggests Chiefs Could Target Jaguars RB Travis Etienne in Free Agency

Analyst believes Etienne's speed and dual-threat ability would be a perfect fit for Kansas City's offense.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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ESPN's Matt Bowen believes that Jaguars running back Travis Etienne would be an ideal free agent target for the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason. Bowen notes that Etienne's speed and pass-catching skills would complement the Chiefs' offense well, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 6-11 season in 2025.

Why it matters

The Chiefs are expected to lose several running backs to free agency, leaving them in need of backfield reinforcements. Etienne, who had a strong 2025 season in Jacksonville, could provide the big-play ability and dual-threat skills the Chiefs' offense currently lacks.

The details

Etienne, 27, had 260 carries for 1,107 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns in 2025, along with 36 receptions for 292 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns. His 26 rushes of 10+ yards tied for the 12th most in the NFL last season. The Chiefs finished 25th in the league in rushing yards per game in 2025, so adding a dynamic playmaker like Etienne could significantly upgrade their ground game.

  • The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in several years in 2025, finishing the regular season 6-11.
  • Etienne is set to become a free agent in the 2026 offseason, as the Jaguars could choose to let him test the open market.

The players

Travis Etienne

A 27-year-old running back who had a strong 2025 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, rushing for 1,107 yards and 7 touchdowns while also contributing 292 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, known for his innovative offensive schemes that could maximize Etienne's dual-threat abilities as both a runner and receiver.

Isiah Pacheco

A Chiefs running back who is expected to test free agency this offseason, potentially opening up a need in the Kansas City backfield.

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What they’re saying

“Etienne has the play speed to upgrade a Chiefs run game that ranked 25th last season (106.6 yards per game). And with his dual-threat ability as a pass catcher, Etienne would be schemed on screens and backfield releases in coach Andy Reid's system. This is a move to add more juice and big-play ability to the Kansas City offense. Etienne's 26 rushes of 10 or more yards were tied for the 12th most in the NFL last season.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Chiefs will need to decide whether to re-sign their own free agent running backs or look to the open market, with Etienne potentially being a top target if he reaches free agency.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' offense struggled in 2025, and adding a dynamic playmaker like Travis Etienne in free agency could be a key move to help them bounce back and return to the playoffs in 2026.