Main Photo: Cory Perrine Imagn Images

Panthers, Jaguars Connected In Blockbuster Trade

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By David Latham | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Former first-round pick Travis Etienne is still a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, but trade rumors have surrounded the veteran ever since head coach Liam Coen took over. Following back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, the Clemson product crashed and burned in 2024. Starting and appearing in 15 games, Etienne finished the season with just 558 yards and two touchdowns on 150 attempts, good for an underwhelming 3.7 yards per carry.

While Coen has publicly denied trade rumors surrounding Travis Etienne, it’s easy to see why teams could believe he’s available. Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, veteran Tank Bigsby outplayed him last year, and Jacksonville’s new regime used an early fourth-round pick on Bhayshul Tuten. Because of this, Bleacher Report‘s Kristopher Knox believes the Jaguars could trade the running back to the Carolina Panthers.

Panthers, Jaguars Linked In Travis Etienne Trade Rumor

From Jacksonville’s standpoint, a Travis Etienne trade makes all the sense in the world. Currently playing on his fifth-year option, the running back carries a $6.14 million cap hit. While this isn’t a terrible number by any stretch of the imagination, it is high for a player who could finish the season as the third running back on the depth chart. Etienne’s entire salary is guaranteed, and Jacksonville can clear all of that money if they trade him before the start of the regular season.

Jacksonville’s starting job is wide open, and perhaps Etienne can overcome his slow 2024 and earn Liam Coen’s trust. However, former third-round pick Tank Bigsby looked like the much better option last year, and Tuten is the only player of note on the depth chart selected by the current regime. While he was a fourth-round pick, he probably would have been a third-round selection had the class not been loaded with talent at the position. This suggests he could make an impact right away, making Etienne expendable.

Is Carolina Interested?

Of course, it takes two to tango, so do the Panthers have any interest in a Travis Etienne trade? 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks was supposed to be the savior of Carolina’s backfield, but the Texas product cannot stay on the field. After taking longer than expected to recover from a college ACL injury, the running back suffered another knee injury that has already ended his 2025 season. At this point, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll ever return to the field and recapture his old explosiveness.

However, even without Brooks, the Panthers are set at running back. Chuba Hubbard signed a massive extension to be the leader of this backfield, and former Dallas Cowboys 1,000-yard runner Rico Dowdle is an above-average backup. The team even has some long-term hope for the position with rookie Trevor Etienne. While nobody on the depth chart has All-Pro upside, they have enough talent that they don’t need to trade for Travis Etienne.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: