The Denver Broncos have a young offensive backfield which many expect to be led by rookie RJ Harvey in 2025. But the Jacksonville Jaguars have a player who is continually the subject of trade rumors and has been connected to the Broncos before.
That player would be Travis Etienne, the Jaguars' first-round pick in 2021. Etienne has achieved mild success in Jacksonville, but he's yet to reach the potential many saw for him coming out of college. Could the Broncos be interested in him? The team was seen as a potential spot for Etienne dating back to last season.
Justin Melo of The Draft Network sees the Broncos as one of three teams that should make a move for Etienne.
"Rookie second-round pick RJ Harvey projects as the starting running back in Sean Payton's backfield this season. The Denver Broncos invested a top-60 selection in Harvey, showcasing terrific faith in his abilities. It could pay major dividends, but relying on a rookie starter always comes with some inherent risk.
Sophomore fifth-rounder Audric Estime is the change-of-pace option on the roster as the short-yardage back. This room would benefit from having more experience, especially since Bo Nix is a sophomore quarterback. That's a lot of inexperience in the backfield. Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie shouldn't be guaranteed to make the roster either. Harvey, Etienne, and Estime would form a stellar three-man rotation", wrote Melo.
It may be a bit much to refer to that trio as "stellar", but it's hard to argue that Payton could use some more experience at running back as the team has a similar issue at the wide receiver position.
Etienne is entering the final year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent following the season. It wouldn't make much sense for the Broncos to trade for him unless they planned to sign him to a new deal, but with so many key free agents already on the roster, that could be tricky for them.
If a trade were to take place, the Broncos shouldn't send more than a day three pick for Etienne. The Jaguars may not be willing to part with him for less than a fourth-round choice, but that might be too much.
Etienne's numbers took a significant dip in 2024 as he rushed for almost 500 yards less than he did in 2023. In 2024, he averaged only 3.7 yards per carry as compared to the 5.1-yard average he posted in 2022.
It also looks like the Jaguars could be preparing for life without Etienne as they opened up a big role for Tank Bigsby last season before spending a fourth-round pick on Bhayshul Tuten out of Virginia Tech. It's likely that the Jaguars already see the decline in their former first-round pick.
The Broncos should consider a veteran for their backfield, but the team should explore other options.
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