The Kansas City Chiefs faced a surprising downturn in the 2025 season, finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time in several years. As they regroup this offseason, Kansas City is expected to be active in free agency to prevent a repeat in 2026.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen suggested Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne as an ideal fit for the Chiefs’ offense. Etienne’s speed and dual-threat skill set as a runner and receiver could help boost a ground game that ranked 25th in the NFL last season (106.6 rushing yards per game) and provide added juice in Andy Reid’s scheme, particularly in screen plays and backfield releases.
Etienne posted a productive 2025 season, tallying 1,107 rushing yards on 260 carries with seven rushing touchdowns, along with 292 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns on 36 catches. While he remains 27 years old and would likely attract franchise-tag or long-term extension negotiations from Jacksonville, Etienne could become a primary target for a Chiefs team seeking a dynamic playmaker.
Kansas City is expected to let several backs—Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Dameon Pierce—test free agency, which would leave the roster with limited depth behind veteran options and a second-year back, Brashard Smith. The Chiefs are widely viewed as needing at least one noticeable running back addition this offseason, whether through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft, to diversify their offense and address a lack of big-play ability.
If Etienne remains with Jacksonville, Kansas City could pivot to other targets or pursue a backfield upgrade through the draft. Nevertheless, Etienne’s proven explosiveness and pass-catching ability make him a plausible consideration for a Chiefs offense seeking to rebound in 2026.
