The Denver Broncos finally took a meaningful step toward upgrading their backfield by selecting UCF running back with the 60th overall pick in the second round of this year’s draft. Harvey brings explosiveness and vision as a ball carrier, but he’s still developing as a receiving threat.
In today’s NFL, the role of an RB1 goes well beyond running between the tackles. With the widespread use of the spread offense, running backs are now expected—almost universally—to contribute effectively in the passing game. Reliable hands and route-running out of the backfield are just as critical as blitz pickup and pass protection, especially on key downs.
Head coach Sean Payton has repeatedly emphasized his interest in adding a true “joker” to the offense—a hybrid player at running back or tight end who can create mismatches as an elite receiver. Given Harvey’s current limitations in that area, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Denver pursue another versatile back to round out the position group and enhance its passing options.
A logical candidate to fill Denver’s need for a true “joker” back is Jacksonville’s veteran star—one of the NFL’s more dynamic receiving threats out of the backfield. While Etienne has had flashes of brilliance in the passing game, his inconsistency running between the tackles has limited his overall effectiveness as a feature back.
Following a disappointing 2024 campaign, Jacksonville used a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft on Bhayshul Tuten, signaling a potential shift in their backfield approach. With Etienne possibly sliding out of the Jaguars’ long-term plans, he could become a prime trade target for a team like Denver.
For Sean Payton, Etienne would check every box as a mismatch-creating weapon in the passing game—something RJ Harvey isn’t ready to offer yet. Adding Etienne would also reduce the pressure on Harvey to immediately develop as a dual-threat back and give Payton the type of offensive versatility he has long valued.
Travis Etienne Jr. could be a shrewd, low-risk addition for a Denver team looking to round out its offensive weaponry. Set to play on a manageable—but not insignificant—$6.7 million fifth-year option in 2025, Etienne’s contract might actually work in the Broncos’ favor. That cap number could deter some suitors, potentially lowering Jacksonville’s asking price.
Given that context, a plausible trade could look like this:
Proposed Trade:
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Broncos receive: Travis Etienne Jr., 2027 seventh-round pick
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Jaguars receive: 2026 sixth-round pick
This deal offers Denver a high-upside receiving back at minimal cost, while giving Jacksonville a chance to recoup some draft capital for a player who may no longer be central to their plans—especially after drafting Bhayshul Tuten. For the Broncos, it aligns perfectly with Sean Payton’s desire for a “joker”-type playmaker and eases pressure on rookie RJ Harvey to become an immediate three-down back.
While sending out less than a sixth-round pick may seem like a steep discount for a back who posted back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2022 and 2023, Travis Etienne Jr.’s sharp decline in production—just 558 rushing yards in 2024—raises legitimate concerns about his long-term value as a featured back.
That said, Etienne still brings real upside, particularly in a specialized third-down role. His top-end speed, fluid route running, and ability to create mismatches in space make him an ideal “joker”-style weapon—exactly the type of player Broncos head coach Sean Payton has been vocal about adding to his offense. By reducing Etienne’s early-down workload and emphasizing his strengths in the passing game, Denver could maximize his remaining value while minimizing wear and injury risk.
Etienne’s presence would also add a much-needed veteran voice to a young running back room that currently features no player with more than two years of NFL experience. His leadership and playoff pedigree could be a valuable asset as the Broncos look to build on their resurgence under Bo Nix.