EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr., a Louisiana native who felt it important to be near home, will be signing a four-year, $52 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.Etienne, 27, ran for 1,107 yards last season -- the third time in his five-year career he's rushed for 1,000 yards - to move into third place on the Jaguars' all-time rushing list (3,798 yards). He also scored a career-high 13 touchdowns, including six receiving (he had just one in his previous four seasons).The Jaguars selected Etienne 25th overall in 2021, but he missed his rookie season to a Lisfranc injury. He rushed for 2,133 yards and 16 touchdowns and caught 93 passes for 792 yards and one touchdown in 2022-23, but his production dipped significantly in 2024 -- 558 and two TDs rushing and 39 catches for 254 yards -- as second-year player Tank Bigsby became the team's top back (766 yards and seven TDs rushing).There was speculation that Etienne could be traded in the 2025 offseason, but the former Clemson standout showed up in the spring ready to prove he would be a good fit in new head coach Liam Coen's offense. Running backs coach Chad Morton said Etienne showed up in good shape, put in extra work, and picked up the offense quickly.Etienne and Bigsby shared first-team reps for much of training camp, but by the time the Sept.7 season opener arrived, Etienne was the clear No. 1 back. He carried the ball 16 times for 143 yards -- including a 71-yarder -- and caught three passes for 13 yards in the Jaguars' 26-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers.Bigsby, who had five carries for 12 yards, was traded to Philadelphia for 2026 fifth- and sixth-round draft picks the following day.In addition to 3,798 yards rushing, Etienne totaled 5,136 yards from scrimmage and 32 total touchdowns in four seasons with the Jaguars.ESPN's Michael DiRocco contributed to this report.
