NFL Rumors: Travis Etienne Has Legitimate Interest in Joining One Team

The Kansas City Chiefs may already have a Day 1 free agency target lined up, and the interest appears to be mutual. 

According to multiple reports, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne has legitimate interest in joining Kansas City, a move that could immediately address one of the biggest weaknesses in the Chiefs’ offense heading into 2026.

Travis Etienne-Chiefs Interest Gaining Momentum

Kansas City’s need at running back is no secret after the ground game struggled throughout 2025. 

The unit finished near the bottom of the league in rushing production, and neither Isiah Pacheco nor the aging Kareem Hunt provided the consistent explosiveness Andy Reid’s offense typically thrives on. 

That’s where Etienne fits.

𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: Free agent RB Travis Etienne has legitimate interest in signing with the Chiefs this offseason, per @pgsween

Chiefs need a runningback. Etienne will be one of the top guys available. pic.twitter.com/7inJfAUtot

— JPA (@jasrifootball) February 21, 2026

The 27-year-old is coming off another productive season, rushing for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 36 catches for 292 yards and six scores. 

His dual-threat ability is exactly what ESPN analyst Matt Bowen pointed to when naming the Chiefs his best team fit. Etienne’s speed and screen-game value would give Kansas City more big-play potential and take pressure off the passing attack once Patrick Mahomes returns from his ACL injury.

Why the Fit Makes Sense for Kansas City

There’s growing belief around the league that this pairing makes too much sense to ignore. Etienne has topped 1,000 rushing yards in three of his four healthy seasons and has produced over 5,000 career all-purpose yards with 32 total touchdowns. 

That level of reliability would allow the Chiefs to avoid forcing a rookie into a feature role and could even free up their first-round draft strategy.

Ahead of Combine week, I’m hearing there’s legitimate interest from Travis Etienne to come to KC. Etienne’s due to become a UFA on 3/11, and the Chiefs need a running back. We’ll see.

— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) February 21, 2026

Market projections place Etienne around a two-year deal worth roughly $13–14 million, a manageable number for a team that still has other roster needs to address. With other top targets like Breece Hall unlikely to reach the open market, Etienne has quickly emerged as Kansas City’s most logical backfield solution.

Free agency officially opens March 11.

Photo Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images