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Could Trevor Lawrence Lose His Trusted Play-Maker?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Lentz | Last updated Apr 26, 2025 7:00 PM ET

Could Travis Etienne be wearing a different uniform by the time the 2025 NFL Draft concludes?

According to ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, the former Clemson star and current Jacksonville Jaguars running back may be a name to watch as the league gears up for one of its busiest transactional weekends.

In a report published Monday, Schefter identified 13 players on rookie contracts who could be considered expendable and potentially dealt during the draft. Etienne, now entering the final year of his rookie deal, was among those listed as a possible trade chip.

Draft week has become a hotbed for player movement, with front offices across the league shuffling assets to align with evolving roster strategies. This year, with a deep pool of running backs available, Jacksonville could look to reset its backfield.

Currently, the Jaguars have just three running backs under contract, including Etienne. ESPN’s Jordan Reid, in his latest mock draft, projected Jacksonville to select Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson in the third round—an indication the team could be eyeing a long-term shift at the position.

Etienne, drafted 25th overall in 2021, missed his entire rookie season due to a Lisfranc injury. But he quickly rebounded with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023. Last year, however, the production dipped. The 25-year-old rushed for 558 yards and two touchdowns on 150 carries while adding 34 receptions for 273 yards through the air over 15 games.

Despite the decline, Etienne’s dual-threat ability and familiarity with high-tempo offenses make him a valuable piece—either in Jacksonville or elsewhere.

Through three NFL seasons, the former first-rounder has tallied 2,691 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, while also notching over 1,000 receiving yards. He’s proven capable of explosive plays and heavy workloads, but questions remain about his long-term role in Doug Pederson’s system.

With the Jaguars reportedly exploring backfield options in the draft and Etienne nearing the end of his contract, a trade wouldn’t be shocking. If the right offer comes, Jacksonville could opt to move their former first-round pick while his value remains high.

As the NFL descends on Green Bay for the 2025 NFL Draft, Etienne’s name is one to keep an eye on. In a league where roster turnover is a constant, even a former college superstar and emerging pro talent is never truly untouchable.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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