Broncos, Chiefs, Cowboys named top landing spots for Jaguars $13 million star playmaker

After a promising 2025 campaign, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a few tough decisions to make this offseason, one being deciding the future of running back Travis Etienne.

Etienne is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, tallying nearly 1,400 scrimmage yards and 13 total touchdowns, including 1,107 yards and seven scores on the ground.

The Clemson product is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, and Bleacher Report's Alex Kay predicts the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Dallas Cowboys will have interest in the Jaguars running back.

Here is what Kay had to say about Etienne's fit on each team:

BRONCOS: The Broncos will want to give serious credence to signing a complementary veteran to share the backfield with 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.

CHIEFS: 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.

COWBOYS: 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.

Denver and Dallas make sense as landing spots for Etienne, as the Broncos could use more firepower in their backfield to pair with RJ Harvey, and the Cowboys' starting running back, Javonte Williams, is also going to be a free agent in the spring, though the team is looking to retain him.

However, Kansas City is the perfect destination for Etienne. Andy Reid's offense is tailored to versatile backs who can damage in both the rushing and passing attack, and Etienne fits the bill. 

The 26-year-old posted a career-high six receiving touchdowns in 2025, establishing himself as a dynamic pass-catcher for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Adding Etienne to serve as the primary back in the Chiefs' offense would be an electric move from general manager Brad Veach. Etienne would take pressure off quarterback Patrick Mahomes and give the superstar signal-caller an explosive receiving threat out of the backfield.

Kansas City should be able to create a ton of cap space this offseason, meaning they should have the money to sign Etienne and bolster the offense for a bounce-back season in 2026.

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