Jaguars allowed to rush for 2,100 yards, back to Chiefs, Ravens

The Jaguars could trade 2,100-yard running back Travis Etienne to the Chiefs or Ravens in a potential fire sale after an ugly 0-3 start. Jacksonville is off to one of the worst starts in the league after their Monday night decimation loss to the Bills, 47-10. It might be time for the Jaguars to unload Etienne, which could be the perfect scenario for the Dallas Cowboys. The US team has one of the worst collections of running backs under Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle and Dalvin Cook.

Jerry Jones may not think the Cowboys need to make any changes, but it would be foolish not to consider Etienne. He’s not the perfect answer the team is looking for, but being part of a new environment could be good for him. There have been concerns about the Cowboys’ backfield this season and the first three games should be able to justify that. Dallas is averaging less than 4.0 rushing yards, so it’s no surprise that Etienne could be a better option than they currently have.

However, Jones refuses to give a reasonable answer as to why they didn’t get Derrick Henry. He says the team couldn’t afford it but had enough room to make a deal work and Henry expected to at least receive a call from them. It all didn’t work out and it appears Jones has no ambitions to improve the squad after declaring they are going ‘All-In’. The good news for Etienne is that his abilities and lightning speed could attract trade interest from other teams in need of a running back.

At this point, the Jaguars likely won’t make the postseason this year, so it’s smart for Jacksonville to trade Etienne to get some draft capital in return. Ravens and Chiefs are two possibilities.

Jaguars may trade 2,100-yard Travis Etienne to Chiefs, Ravens

More depth in Kansas City

After Isiah Pacheco’s injury, the Chiefs are struggling to find their temporary starter. Kansas City used virtually every running back, including Samaje Perine and rookie Carson Steele. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is still dealing with personal issues, but even if he does return, it wouldn’t be the same for Patrick Mahomes. Edwards-Helaire didn’t beat Jerick McKinnon last season, which is surprising they didn’t bring McKinnon back.

However, Andy Reid said that Kareem Hunt is still the same player he was in 2018, which means bad news. This means there is no word on whether they will bring him into the starting lineup. It’s easy to be careful when you bring him back because he may still have some growing to do. Etienne could be their answer as he bounced back from a 2021 injury in a major way.

The 25-year-old ran for 1,125 yards while recording five touchdowns the following year, so it’s clear he’s got something. Etienne gets better every year. Etienne’s 2024 campaign will likely slow down if he doesn’t leave Jacksonville. He could play a role in Kansas City’s offense with an above-average offensive line and use his speed to create blocks for himself.

Extra support for Derrick Henry

Henry may have run all over Dallas in week three, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need additional support in the backfield. He can’t do it alone and John Harbaugh understands that, so it might be safe to get someone other than Justice Hill. Lamar Jackson uses Hill in some running situations, but he is more reliable on quick passes. This is why Etienne could play a role behind the Baltimore offense and help open up the field further.

Other potential trade destinations

Los Angeles Chargers

It may be Jim Harbaugh’s wish that Justin Herbert will be dependent on the run after leaving the game with a boot. However, it’s never a good thing if your franchise quarterback isn’t 100%, so adding Etienne in the backfield to help JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards could mean good news. It is safe for the Chargers to spread the ball around to other players as Dobbins and Edwards have excellent injury histories.

Carolina Panthers

As Miles Sanders continues to struggle, it may be safe to bet on another backup. Chuba Hubbard is likely their immediate future starter for a long time, but rookie Jonathon Brooks has a lot of potential. Etienne could help someone like Brooks in the backfield.