Second-year running back Tank Bigsby is perhaps the lone bright spot on the Jacksonville Jaguars, and his unexpected breakout could lead to a Travis Etienne trade. Selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Bigsby had a rookie season to forget. Appearing in 17 games without making a start, the Auburn product finished the season with just 132 rushing yards on 50 carries (2.6 yards per attempt). While you never give up on a third-round player after one season, Bigsby needed to do something to prove he’s an NFL-caliber player in 2024.
So far, Bigsby has silenced all doubters while establishing himself as arguably the top back in this offense. Through five games, the running back has recorded 273 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries (8.0 yards per attempt). Former first-round pick Travis Etienne, meanwhile, has just 231 yards and two touchdowns on 53 carries, and this relative lack of production could lead to a trade. While teams normally like to roster two reliable running backs, the 1-4 Jaguars might embrace a rebuild.
Despite their Week 5 win over the Indianapolis Colts, this team is going nowhere fast and should turn their eyes to the future. Etienne is in the fourth year of his contract, which means he has one more season before he reaches free agency. However, he carries a $6.14 million cap hit next year, which is a lot of money for a potential backup running back. If Jacksonville can trade Travis Etienne to a contender like the New Orleans Saints or Los Angeles Chargers and save some money in the process, they’d be foolish not to.
Jaguars Could Trade Travis Etienne to Chargers, Saints After Tank Bigsby Breakout
Nobody believes in the power of the running game more than Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. An old-school football mind, the former Michigan coach wants to win games with a ferocious defense and strong, physical running. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to do that during his short time with the Chargers. Free agent signee Gus Edwards is not living up to his contract, while fellow former Raven J.K. Dobbins cooled off after a strong start to the season. This team needs a true lead running back to execute Harbaugh’s vision, which is why they could trade for Travis Etienne.
Even if the Chargers wanted to win with a pass-first offense, they don’t have the pieces to do it. Rookie Ladd McConkey and second-year wideout Quentin Johnston had their moments through the first four weeks, but neither one is a proven WR1 by any stretch of the imagination. This lack of depth combined with the various injuries to Justin Herbert means this team must win on the ground. Travis Etienne can do that, as the trade candidate has two seasons with over 250 touches on his resume already.
The Next Alvin Kamara?
The Saints decision to trade for Travis Etienne has everything to do with the long-term health of Alvin Kamara. The running back has dominated through the first four weeks of the season, not quite matching his peak but still looking like one of the league’s top running backs. Unfortunately, the five-time Pro Bowler is 29 years old, and running backs usually start to slow down at 27. Kamara is currently battling hip and ribs injuries and, while he should suit up on Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs, he might not be able to handle such a heavy workload.
If Kamara’s injuries worsen, the Saints could trade for Travis Etienne and make him the featured part of this offense. Jamaal Williams isn’t getting any younger, Taysom Hill is more of a hybrid player, and head coach Dennis Allen isn’t a fan of Kendre Miller. New Orleans loves to run the ball, and Etienne could help power this team to their first playoff birth since the Drew Brees Era.
Main Photo: Bob Self – USA Today Sports
