Cowboys, Chiefs, Broncos Emerge as Shocking Top Landing Spots for Superstar NFL Running Back
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Coming off a superb bounce-back season, Jacksonville Jaguars star running back Travis Etienne figures to be one of the most sought-after skill position players in 2026 free agency.
After the worst season of his career in 2024, Travis Etienne rebounded with 1,107 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Etienne helped Trevor Lawrence unlock his potential under first-year head coach Liam Coen, as the Jags finished 13-4 to win the AFC South.
The Jags’ magical season ended with a heartbreaking 27-24 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round. In what may have been his final game as a Jaguar, Etienne had 116 total yards and one touchdown.
It remains to be seen just how hard Jacksonville will work to keep Etienne. But if he tests the free agent market, there won’t be a shortage of interest in the three-time 1,000-yard rusher.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay analyzed potential landing spots for Travis Etienne. Kay listed the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs as logical fits for the 2021 first-round pick:
“Dallas still ranked inside the top-10 in rushing offense in 2025 and coaxed a career year from Williams—a player who was largely written off after averaging a dismal 3.6 yards per rushing attempt during his final two seasons with the Denver Broncos.
Upgrading to a more talented, versatile back like Etienne could elevate Dallas to the very top of the league in rushing, taking pressure off quarterback Dak Prescott to shoulder the offensive load in 2026.
On the Broncos:
“Barring an outstanding playoff run, the Broncos will want to give serious credence to signing a complementary veteran to share the backfield with (RJ) Harvey next year. The team has a Super Bowl window and can’t afford to squander it with an ineffective ground game.
Etienne fits the bill as a relatively affordable, proven weapon who can shoulder a heavy workload while Harvey mixes in as a big-play threat. Although their individual ceilings would be lowered, a Harvey-Etienne platoon would have the ceiling to emerge as the league’s leading rushing attack.”
Kay’s case for Kansas City:
‘With (Patrick) Mahomes rehabilitating from a torn ACL suffered late in the year and plenty of other question marks doting the roster, the Chiefs can’t afford to run it back yet again with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt as their top RBs…
With the ability to effectively run between the tackles, hit home run plays after bouncing it outside and contribute at a high level in the passing attack, Etienne has all the tools to become the type of do-it-all lead back the Chiefs have sorely lacked in recent years.”
Over his first four seasons, Etienne has 3,798 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns.
Jaguars Should Work Extensively To Keep Travis Etienne
Obviously, keeping Etienne only makes sense for Jacksonville if the price is right. Trevor Lawrence’s $275 million extension begins in 2026, so there isn’t much cap room to work with.
However, Etienne and the Jags have been a tremendous fit over the past four years. The Jaguars could always try and replace him with a cheaper option, but there’s no guarantee they’ll find someone of equal value.
The Jaguars have an ultra-bright future. The young core will have two-way phenom Travis Hunter back in 2026, with the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner set to get more snaps on defense. If Etienne wants both money and a chance to win a Super Bowl, the Jags remain an ideal destination for him.
