Travis Etienne Flagged as Risky
ESPN's 2026 NFL free agency analysis flags Travis Etienne Jr. as overrated, warning he may not deliver on a big contract. Meanwhile, A.J. Brown of Philadelphia is reportedly a trade candidate this offseason, with several teams looking to make bold moves at wide receiver.
Travis Etienne is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason after the Jacksonville Jaguars exercised his fifth-year option for 2025, which will pay him a little over $6.14 million. This places him in a position to negotiate a significant long-term contract with his next team. In the 2025 season, Etienne rushed for 1,107 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in 17 games. He ranked 11th in the NFL for rushing yards, demonstrating his capability as a lead back. Despite this production, the potential for a large contract for a running back, a position with a notoriously short shelf life in the NFL, is a primary factor in him being flagged as a risky investment. On the other hand, A.J. Brown is under contract with the Philadelphia Eagles after signing a three-year, $96 million extension, with $84 million guaranteed. His 2026 salary cap hit is projected to be over $23 million. Despite the large contract, Brown has been the subject of trade rumors, with the Eagles reportedly seeking a first and second-round pick in return. The New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers are among the teams that have reportedly shown interest in the star wide receiver. In 2025, Brown recorded 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games. There have been reports of Brown's frustration with the consistency of the Philadelphia offense, which has fueled speculation about his future with the team.
