Chiefs Reportedly Drawing Interest From Top Free-Agent RB

Travis Etienne, who is set to hit free agency, is said to have interest in signing with Kansas City.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 2:34pm

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According to a report from Kansas City Star beat writer Pete Sweeney, the Kansas City Chiefs are drawing interest from Jacksonville Jaguars pending free-agent running back Travis Etienne. Etienne is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 11, and the Chiefs are in need of a running back with Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco both hitting free agency.

Why it matters

The Chiefs are in a tough financial situation, as they are currently over the salary cap. Etienne is expected to command a significant contract on the open market, which could make it difficult for the Chiefs to sign him. However, if Etienne is willing to come at a reasonable price, he could be a valuable addition to the Chiefs' offense.

The details

Sweeney reported that there is "legitimate interest" from Etienne to join the Chiefs. The 24-year-old running back is coming off three strong seasons with the Jaguars, and he is considered one of the better options available in free agency. The Chiefs are in need of a running back after both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco hit free agency, but the team's salary cap situation could make it difficult to sign a high-priced free agent.

  • Etienne is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 11, 2026.

The players

Travis Etienne

A 24-year-old running back who is set to hit free agency after four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Pete Sweeney

A beat writer for the Kansas City Star who reported on the Chiefs' interest in Etienne.

Kareem Hunt

A running back for the Kansas City Chiefs who is set to hit free agency.

Isiah Pacheco

A running back for the Kansas City Chiefs who is set to hit free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Ahead of Combine week, I'm hearing there's legitimate interest from Travis Etienne to come to KC. Etienne's due to become a UFA on 3/11, and the Chiefs need a running back. We'll see.”

— Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star beat writer

What’s next

The Chiefs will need to determine if they can fit Etienne's expected contract demands within their tight salary cap situation. If they are able to reach an agreement, Etienne would provide a significant boost to the team's backfield.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' interest in Etienne highlights their need for a top-tier running back, but their salary cap constraints could make it difficult to sign him. This situation will be one to monitor as the Chiefs look to bolster their offense for the 2026 season.