The Chiefs issued the statement after the NFL announced its final schedule decision.

Jacksonville, Florida – January 29, 2026 — Travis Etienne, the standout running back of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has delivered an emotional statement that has left the fanbase heartbroken yet filled with both hope and anxiety. With free agency set to open in March 2026 and his contract nearing expiration, Etienne publicly affirmed that he does not want to wear any jersey other than the teal and gold of the Jaguars. “I want to finish my career in Jacksonville. There’s no jersey I’d rather wear than the Jaguars’ colors,” Etienne shared in a recent interview, emphasizing his deep loyalty to the franchise that drafted him with the No. 25 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft — as he faces one of the biggest decisions of his career. Etienne has spent all five of his NFL seasons with the Jaguars, becoming a cornerstone of the offense thanks to his elite dual-threat ability as both a runner and receiver. He just completed the best season of his career in 2025: 1,107 rushing yards, 292 receiving yards, 1,399 total scrimmage yards, and 13 total touchdowns (rushing and receiving), leading the team in every major rushing category. Despite injuries that once threatened his trajectory (including missing the entire 2021 season), Etienne has bounced back in dominant fashion, establishing himself as a reliable RB1 and a driving force of the offense under head coach Liam Coen. Although the Jaguars are dealing with salary cap constraints and did not extend Etienne during the 2025 offseason, he admitted his disappointment while reaffirming his desire to stay and retire in Jacksonville. “The Jaguars gave me the opportunity to become a starter early, to build a legacy, and to play in front of the most passionate fans. I want to repay that by finishing my career here if I continue playing,” he said. Despite bold projections from analysts (including Bleacher Report) suggesting Etienne could join contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs to chase a Super Bowl or secure a larger contract elsewhere, Etienne remains steadfast in his commitment to Jacksonville. “If I’m still playing, it’ll be in teal and gold — where I belong and where we can rebuild this team together,” he added. Etienne will officially become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026, and the looming question is whether the Jaguars can retain their star running back with a fair and competitive contract. Market projections from Spotrac and OverTheCap estimate his value at around 3 years / $25 million (APY roughly $8–9 million per year), or potentially higher if a bidding war emerges — a figure that could place significant pressure on Jacksonville’s already tight cap situation (especially with priorities like tagging Devin Lloyd). The projected 2026 franchise tag for running backs sits at approximately $14.1 million, a price the Jaguars are unlikely to pay if they hope to keep other core players. The Jaguars would suffer a massive loss if Etienne departs, as he has become a true fan favorite after five years of loyalty, explosive runs, and on-field leadership. Retaining him — or at the very least giving him a достой farewell — will be one of the most critical decisions the franchise faces this offseason.