Travis Etienne Jr. will be an unrestricted free agent ahead of the 2026 season. The dual-threat running back is one of the best players at his position on the market.
With numerous teams looking for their next RB1, let’s examine a handful of top-notch landing spots for the Clemson Tigers product.
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5 teams that should target Travis Etienne Jr
5. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings love a good dual-threat running back. The perennial postseason contenders enjoyed the productivity of Aaron Jones until injuries came knocking.
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The Vikings could be a solid landing spot for Travis Etienne Jr., given his fit with their game plan under Kevin O’Connell. The Jaguars RB is great on the ground and serviceable in the air.
4. New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara has been the New Orleans Saints RB1 since 2018. However, the perennial Pro Bowler is now in his 30s and is fresh off missing six games in 2025.
Travis Etienne Jr. could join the Saints and relieve some pressure off Kamara as he works his way back to full fitness. He could then take over as the full-time starter by the time Kamara’s current contract runs out.
3. Denver Broncos
Top-notch running backs are a huge part of Sean Payton’s offense. The Denver Broncos used a running-back-by-committee system in 2025 and narrowly missed a Super Bowl appearance.
Payton would fancy adding Travis Etienne Jr. to the Broncos offense. The dual-threat star is fresh off one of the most productive seasons of his career while playing all 17 games. It’s a move that could alter the AFC’s direction.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
There’s no place like home, and a return to Jacksonville can’t be ruled out. The Jaguars and Etienne Jr. share a decent professional relationship, and it could benefit both parties to run it back.
Furthermore, the Jaguars don’t have any running backs on their roster with Etienne Jr.’s durability and track record. Plus, getting him a new contract would make longtime teammate and friend Trevor Lawrence a happy camper.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs haven’t had a 1,000-yard running back since Kareem Hunt was a rookie in 2017. Their running back room of Hunt, Isiah Pacheco and Brashard Smith leaves a lot to be desired for a team with perennial Super Bowl aspirations.
Travis Etienne Jr. has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in three of the last four seasons. He’s also one of the best pass-catching running backs in the league.
Etienne Jr. could choose the Kansas City Chiefs to help the franchise in yet another Super Bowl chase. He could be another weapon for Patrick Mahomes in the Andy Reid-marshalled offense.
Edited by Nick Igbokwe
