Travis Etienne offers explosive receiving and rushing potential at a manageable price. But is he the Texans' best free agency option?
Heading into NFL free agency's opening on March 11th, the Houston Texans are tasked with improving an offense that ranked as one of the worst run production units in the league.
Names like Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker III and even Javonte Williams have been floated by fans and media as alternatives to the current running back room in Houston.
One name in particular has recently been brought up, but with polarizing perception within the fanbase.
Jacksonville Jaguars lead running back Travis Etienne is now in play as a possible free agent addition, with word coming out that he may be allowed to hit free agency after ending the 2025 season without a new deal.
Etienne Helps Fill Need, but not considered "Most Impactful"
The reason for the split of the approval of Etienne is seen is his production compared to his contemporaries in 2025.
In 2025, Etienne finished with a stat line of (list not exhaustive):
- Rushing yards: 1,107 (11th-most)
- Yards per carry: 4.3 (34th)
- Touchdowns: 7 rushing (T-21st), 6 receiving
- Yards per game: 65.1 (14th)
The case to Sign Travis Etienne
Signing Etienne could be a positive for at least three reasons.
The first being, Etienne is a 1,000-yard rusher who also has big play potential in the passing game. The fact that he finished with almost just as many receiving scores (six) as rushing scores (seven) illustrates the versatility that Etienne can offer to offensive coordinator Nick Caley's offense.
Second, Etienne's contract projection (per Spotrac) only has him at roughly $7.5 million per year, which is more than palatable if you're general manager Nick Caserio. The Texans are in a bit of a salary cap crunch as of today, thus cost-effective moves like this would be advantageous to Houston.
Finally, Etienne's addition would serve to also weaken the Jaguars, as the Texans would be absorbing the production of their lead back while leaving them needing to find a replacement. This would help swing the AFC South back in Houston's favor.
The case to Avoid Travis Etienne
As stated earlier, while Etienne could be a positive addition to the Texans' backfield, there are just more effective options at running back who will also be available for around the same price.
Hall, Walker III and Williams are all available for hire in 2026.
Hall is seen as a diamond in the rough who had the unfortunate reality of playing for the New York Jets for the first four years of his career. Thus, you'd be wise to not make any final determinations on his abilities (see quarterback Sam Darnold as an example for why).
Walker III literally just won Super Bowl MVP almost two weeks ago after a historic rushing output against the New England Patriots in Santa Clara. The fact that he's even available is shocking.
Williams just shattered his previous career high's with a 1,200-yard season in Dallas. Being valued at roughly $7.4 million, he'd be almost identical in contract structure with Etienne, just with more production on total yardage.
Should Houston take a chance on Etienne? Let us know in the comments section below and by mentioning us on X at @Texans_RTB and TikTok at @Texans.Roundtable!