Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence Says Goodbye to Travis Etienne After 8 Seasons Together

The quarterback and running back duo played together at Clemson and in the NFL before Etienne's departure to the New Orleans Saints.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence bid farewell to his longtime teammate and friend, running back Travis Etienne, after Etienne signed with the New Orleans Saints this offseason. Lawrence and Etienne played together for eight seasons, from college at Clemson to the NFL with the Jaguars, forming a dynamic offensive duo. Despite the separation, Lawrence expressed his gratitude for their long-running partnership and wished Etienne the best in the next chapter of his career.

Why it matters

The departure of Etienne leaves a significant hole in the Jaguars' backfield after he served as their full-time starting running back for the past five seasons. Lawrence and Etienne developed strong on-field chemistry over the years, so his exit will require the Jaguars to find a new offensive identity and running game as they look to build on their recent playoff appearances.

The details

Etienne signed a four-year, $52 million deal with the Saints after spending his first five NFL seasons with the Jaguars. He and Lawrence were teammates at Clemson from 2018-2020 before being drafted by Jacksonville in 2021. Over the past four seasons, Etienne started all but one game for the Jaguars, rushing for 1,107 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2025 while also catching 36 passes for 292 yards and 6 scores.

  • Lawrence and Etienne were teammates at Clemson from 2018-2020.
  • The duo joined the Jaguars together in 2021 and played four seasons as starters.
  • Etienne signed with the Saints this offseason on a four-year, $52 million contract.

The players

Trevor Lawrence

The starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who has played alongside Travis Etienne since their college days at Clemson.

Travis Etienne

The former starting running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who recently signed a four-year, $52 million contract with the New Orleans Saints.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've come a long way!! Going to miss you man. Been a hell of an 8-year run. Best is yet to come,”

— Trevor Lawrence (Adam Schefter)

What’s next

The Jaguars will need to find a new starting running back to replace Etienne's production in the backfield as they look to build on their recent playoff appearances.

The takeaway

The departure of Travis Etienne marks the end of an eight-year partnership between the running back and quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who developed strong chemistry dating back to their college days at Clemson. While it's an unfortunate separation, it opens a new chapter for both players as Etienne joins the Saints and Lawrence leads the Jaguars' offense in a new direction.