The logic being floated is that Etienne’s pass game profile fits what the Bears want to be, even though the roster already has a legit one two punch in D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai.
Bears to Pursue Travis Etienne
Etienne’s case is that he was the 25th overall pick in 2021 and is coming off a big 2025 season with 1,107 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, plus 36 catches for 292 yards and six receiving scores, giving him 13 total touchdowns.
Many NFL insiders believe the Chicago Bears will pursue Jaguars RB Travis Etienne if he reaches free agency, per @TonyPauline
— Bearsszn (@bearszn) January 24, 2026
This is interesting. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/QuMuVK5mEB
If the Bears are thinking “weapon” more than “runner,” the receiving touchdowns jump off the page, and the rumor is basically that his skill set would add another layer to the offense rather than simply replacing carries.
What Would Stop This From Happening?
The wrinkle is that Chicago’s current backfield was already productive.
Swift put up 1,087 rushing yards on 4.9 yards per carry with nine rushing touchdowns, and he added 34 catches for 299 yards and a receiving touchdown, which is why some coverage has pushed back on the idea that Etienne would be a clear upgrade given cost and roster priorities.
Dumbass really telling me we should replace D’Andre Swift with Breece Hall or Travis Etienne
— Nick (@StonecoldSxnick) January 26, 2026
Uhhh what tf for?
Just a pointless move, some Bears fans act like team operate how they do in Madden franchise mode#DaBears
Monangai also gave them real value as a rookie with 783 rushing yards and five touchdowns, so this feels less like a desperation need and more like an offseason swing if the Bears decide they want a more dynamic pass catching tilt out of the backfield and are willing to reshuffle money to do it.
Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
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