There were rumors last year that the Jacksonville Jaguars were ready to let Travis Etienne go, but it did not happen. It turned out to be the best decision for the Jaguars, as they were able to make the most of the 27-year-old running back who, together with longtime teammate and quarterback Trevor Lawrence, helped them reach the postseason again.
Etienne struggled in the 2024 season, but he redeemed himself the following year and emerged as the clear RB1. He recorded 260 carries for 1,107 rushing yards in 17 games last season, along with seven rushing touchdowns. The Jaguars finished as the No. 1 team in the AFC South and reached the Wild Card round, but lost to the Buffalo Bills by just three points.
Etienne’s talent will no longer be at Lawrence’s disposal next season after he signed a four-year deal worth $52 million with his home state's NFL team, the New Orleans Saints.
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He is going back home, but it was not an easy decision for him. The 2021 25th overall pick turned to X (Twitter) to let fans know how he is feeling about this development, especially about parting ways with longtime teammate Trevor Lawrence.
He did not write any words, but the GIF he used — a kid fighting back tears — told the whole story.
Lawrence did not just lose a backfield partner. He also lost a longtime friend. He and Etienne go way back, having dominated opponents during their time with the Clemson Tigers in college.
Etienne is starting over, and so are the Jaguars when it comes to their back field. They need to search for a capable running back for Lawrence. There are no firm rumors yet about who will replace Etienne, but several names are already being mentioned.
Among those immediately linked are Rico Dowdle of the Carolina Panthers and Sean Tucker and Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
