Free agent target: RB Travis Etienne Jr. breakdown

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By Ross Jackson

As the beginning of NFL free agency gets closer, we’ll be providing breakdowns of some of the available players that the New Orleans Saints could look to pursue.

While running back has been a common position of conversation relative to the 2026 NFL Draft for the team, addressing the room in free agency may be a more surefire way to go.

There are a number of talented running backs expected to be available on the open market, a reality from which the Saints could be benefactors.

One of those backs, pending Jacksonville Jaguars free agent Travis Etienne Jr.,/ has Louisiana ties and would present the New Orleans a versatile back to add to their rushing attack.

Etienne’s Measureables

Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 215 pounds
Arm length: 30.125 inches
40-yard-dash: 4.45 seconds
Vertical: 33.5 inches
Broad jump:10-foot-8
RAS: 9.13

Likely’s 2025 Statistics

Rushes: 260
Rushing yards: 1,107
Touchdown runs: 7

The 27-year-old back has crossed the 1,000 rushing yard threshold in three of his four NFL seasons, proving to be a consistent and reliable contributor. He was also just one yard shy from crossing 1,400 scrimmage yards for the third season.

In addition to his rushing prowess, he added 36 receptions for 292 receiving yards and six touchdown catches. This made him an all-around threat last year while in head coach Liam Coen’s offensive system.

Adding a running back to that can be a total scrimmage threat could be a big win for the Saints. It would provide them another option in the backfield, another short-area target for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough and provide another veteran presence to a position group that’s trending younger.

As a pass protector, the 2021 first-round selection grades out well (69.3 pass blocking grade on Pro Football Focus) and passes the eye test. He has the size and aggressive nature to buy his quarterback extra time in the backfield and stands up well to blitzers. He made massive strides in that part of his game in 2025.