Travis Etienne’s Decline Could Lead to Jaguars Trade Decision

The Jacksonville Jaguars are making it clear this offseason: complacency won’t be tolerated.

According to Mark Long of the Associated Press, even entrenched starters like offensive tackles Walker Little and Anton Harrison are expected to earn their roles during training camp. That approach underscores a broader shift within the organization—one focused on raising the roster’s ceiling through relentless competition at every position.

But this isn’t just coach-speak or motivational fluff. The front office appears to be backing it up with action, quietly reshaping the roster in ways that could push multiple veterans out of the picture entirely.

Among those under the microscope is running back Travis Etienne Jr.—and not just because of stats.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, league executives say Jacksonville’s new regime of coaches and executives is “not so high” on Etienne. That includes new general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen, both of whom have brought a new philosophy to town. 

Rookie Bhayshul Tuten, in particular, is viewed as someone who could carve out an immediate role in the backfield. That spells trouble for Etienne, who was already trending downward entering the offseason.

It’s been a rollercoaster ride for the former first-rounder. After missing his rookie year with a Lisfranc injury, Etienne exploded across the 2022 and 2023 seasons with 2,925 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns—earning a spot in the top 10 of Offensive Player of the Year voting in 2023. But that momentum didn’t carry over.

In 2024, Etienne started all 15 games he played but was regularly out-snapped and out-produced by second-year back Tank Bigsby. He finished the season with just 558 rushing yards, 254 receiving yards, and two total touchdowns—all career lows.