Why the Jaguars Still Need to Address Running Back in 2026
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ running back core had a bipolar 2025 campaign. The group started the season hot, with veteran Travis Etienne Jr. ranking in the top five in the league in rushing yards. However, as the offense struggled in the middle of the season, the running game slowed to a halt. When the Jaguars were sitting at a 5-4 record, the rushing game plan looked repetitive and too predictable. Under the leadership of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who alleviated the pressure off the running backs with an improved passing game, the offense got moving again. The Jaguars went on to win eight straight games to end the season before losing to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round. The Jaguars' backfield ended the season ranked 20th in rushing yards and fourth in rushing touchdowns.
In hindsight, the running back core was solid for the Jaguars in 2025. However, the Jaguars will need to focus on keeping it that way entering 2026. Etienne, who finished the season with 1,107 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, will soon be an unrestricted free agent. The current expectation is that Etienne plans to leave the Jaguars and continue his career elsewhere, leaving Jacksonville with a hole to fill. As it currently stands, that would make Bhayshul Tuten the starter entering his sophomore season. Tuten showed signs of promise in his rookie year, rushing for 307 yards and five touchdowns. He also had two receiving touchdowns. A backfield with just Tuten and another unproven back in LeQuint Allen would be weak for a team that plans to compete for a Super Bowl in 2026.
If the Jaguars do not re-sign Etienne, they could look elsewhere on the market. Super Bowl MVP and Seattle Seahawks superstar Kenneth Walker III is one name to watch. New York Jets star Breece Hall is another player who could push the Jaguars over the edge as Super Bowl contenders. Both of these veterans are multiple years younger than an aging Etienne and would provide fresh energy to an offense that has a tendency to get stale. If the Jaguars want to go the cheaper route, they can draft a running back. However, that still means their core would be unproven, albeit with high upside. One name they could draft is Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman. Coleman has great elusiveness and good movement at the line of scrimmage; however, his stamina and long-distance speed remain questions. No matter what option the Jaguars choose, it is important that they secure a solid running back to remain a contender in 2026.
