Bhayshul Tuten

Travis Etienne heads into potential free agency having produced 1,399 scrimmage yards and 13 career-high TDs, drawing significant interest if Jaguars let him walk. Even if Etienne departs, Tuten and Etienne had split backfield reps nearly evenly before Tuten's ankle injury forced him out in Week 11.

Travis Etienne is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026 after the Jaguars declined his fifth-year option. While Lawrence wants him back, Jacksonville faces cap constraints ($43.7M space) and may prioritize LB Devin Lloyd, creating uncertainty about whether Tuten inherits a featured role or faces a veteran FA addition.

The Jaguars signed Chris Rodriguez Jr. (2yr/$10M) as a between-the-tackles complement, confirming a two-back committee rather than a true every-down lead role. Rodriguez's guaranteed money signals real organizational investment, and with LeQuint Allen locked into the third-down/pass-protection role, Tuten's weekly snap ceiling is likely 55-65% rather than a workhorse 70%+.

Liam Coen has publicly called the room 'wide open' and signed Chris Rodriguez Jr., a 224-lb early-down/goal-line grinder, plus passing-down back LeQuint Allen — Tuten projects as the perimeter/space back but goal-line TDs and early-down volume could be siphoned off, capping his ceiling.

Jacksonville used zero 2026 draft picks on running backs, taking only WRs and TEs. This is a direct organizational endorsement of Tuten's ceiling — the team is not hedging with early-round RB competition.

Etienne is set to hit unrestricted free agency and might command a pricey contract; if Jaguars let him walk, Tuten may be in line to take the RB1 role in 2026. If Etienne leaves, Tuten should excel in a featured role under offensive coordinator Liam Coen.

Multiple reports indicate the Jaguars are unlikely to re-sign Etienne due to cap constraints and other priorities, potentially opening up 296 offensive touches for Tuten to absorb. GM James Gladstone has been described as likely to let Etienne walk given early contract extensions for other players.

Travis Etienne signed a 4-year, $48M deal with the Saints, directly handing Tuten the No. 1 designaton in Jacksonville's backfield. Coach Liam Coen stated publicly he feels 'good about the running backs' with Tuten as the centerpiece, and reports frame Rodriguez firmly as the No. 2.

Travis Etienne's departure to New Orleans on a 4-year deal removes the only established RB1 on the roster. Tuten is the clear frontrunner entering camp with no comparable-caliber replacement added — Coen has publicly tabbed him as the centerpiece of the 2026 backfield.