“$72 million? Keep it.” — amid contract impasse rumors, Jaguars star Travis Etienne Jr. shocks the league by turning down an offer from a top AFC team, sending a powerful message to all of Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida – January 2026
As the NFL calendar inches closer to the start of free agency in March, few names carry more intrigue than Travis Etienne Jr.. With his rookie deal and fifth-year option concluding after the 2025 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars star is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Amid rumors of stalled talks, Etienne stunned league circles by declining a reported $72 million offer from an AFC contender, reframing his future around belief rather than bidding.
The timing makes the decision even louder. Etienne is not forced into action, nor boxed in by trade mechanics. Any team interested can sign him outright in March. Yet as outside interest intensified, Etienne chose to send a message early. By turning away a lucrative AFC deal now, he signaled that his priority isn’t testing the market at all costs—it’s protecting the foundation he helped build in Jacksonville during a critical growth phase.
Etienne’s value to the Jaguars extends beyond production. At 27, he remains in his prime, a dynamic runner and receiver who has been central to Jacksonville’s offensive identity. Teammates credit his work ethic and competitiveness, while coaches point to his versatility as a stabilizer during uneven stretches. Declining a top-dollar offer elsewhere wasn’t posturing; it was a declaration that continuity and ambition still matter to a player many assumed would cash in.
“I don’t want to be anywhere else right now,” Etienne said. “I want to keep being part of this team. We have some of the most promising people in this league, and I believe in what we’re building here. The Super Bowl dream isn’t finished, and I want to chase it with this group.” The statement resonated throughout Jacksonville, echoing a belief that the window is open—and unfinished.
Now, the spotlight shifts to the organization. Etienne’s stance strengthens his leverage while clarifying his desire to stay. Jacksonville must decide whether to meet that belief with action—articulating a clear plan and committing long-term—or risk watching a cornerstone walk in March. In the NFL, moments like this define trajectories. By saying “keep it” to $52 million elsewhere, Etienne chose Jacksonville. The Jaguars’ response will define what comes next.
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