Overview
- The Kansas City Star’s Pete Sweeney reported Etienne has “legitimate interest” in Kansas City, with the Jaguars running back set to hit unrestricted free agency on March 11.
- Kansas City’s backfield is unsettled as Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco approach free agency, and the Chiefs’ ground game ranked 25th last season by yards per game.
- Etienne is coming off a 2025 rebound with 1,107 rushing yards, seven rushing TDs, and 36 catches for 292 yards with six receiving TDs, a skill set analysts say fits Andy Reid’s offense.
- Budget factors loom large, with the Chiefs facing cap pressure and Spotrac projecting Etienne around $13.6 million over two years, though some expect a higher market.
- An alternative path is the draft, where Kansas City holds pick No. 9 and has been linked to Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love; no agreement with Etienne has been reported.