Jacksonville Jaguars: Veteran Replacements for Travis Etienne
When Travis Etienne went down, Jacksonville Jaguar fans had to be upset. Between the shiny new toys at quarterback and running back the future was going to be on display this season. Whether or not they were actually competitive is a whole different story, but at least with enough highlights, you could get a glimpse of what the future held. Now that Etienne is done for a year, is it time for Jacksonville to turn over some free agent stones?
Veteran Leadership:
While it is Trevor Lawrence’s team to eventually lead, this young Jaguars team could use a bit more leadership at any position. They’re getting a coach that has years of college experience in Urban Meyer, but he’s not out on the field with them. Taking nothing away from the current Jags roster, there are plenty of veteran runningbacks that still can improve this team without all the pressure falling on Lawrence.
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Good Wheels Left:
While “by committee” running backs are becoming the new normal in today’s NFL, there are a few guys who can come in and make solid plays to eat the clock and move the chains. The Jaguars don’t have time to waste coming into what will now be the last preseason game. Cards will be out on the table and teams will establish what position they’re weak at. Some of these guys will be off the market soon. Guys like Frank Gore, Adrian Peterson, or LeSean McCoy aren’t the future of the franchise but still have enough legs left under them to be placeholders.
Starter In-House:
Even with Travis Etienne’s high draft pick, the Jaguars already had a player on their roster who was penciled into the starting slot. James Robinson was already getting the bulk of the workload, which is all the more reason to go after a veteran back. If Jacksonville can’t get someone who they can rotate out, the bulk of the work is either going to wear Robinson down or limit the Jags to a one-dimensional offense. Neither of which the team can afford with this being the season they were to be the most excited about.
Jacksonville may choose to just ride out with who they have, but if not, there are plenty of good names on the free agent wire.
Rick ODonnell aka Caveman Rick has many years covering the Miami Dolphins, Sports, and all sorts of movies and television.
