New Chicago Bears running back target emerges amid AFC team’s pivot

While the Chicago Bears came away with Kyle Monangai in the seventh-round, they’re undoubtedly still looking to add to their running back room. Chicago has been connected to many of the top free agent running backs available, such as Nick Chubb and JK Dobbins. Many more will soon become available as teams crunch down to their 53-man roster.

At that point, the Bears must scour the wire to see who they can sign. Names who may not be connected to Chicago now could become targets if they’re unexpectedly released. Or, if it’s clear a player isn’t going to last with a new regime, the Bears can poach that running back and hope he becomes a difference maker again with a change of scenery.

One option if Chicago goes that route is Travis Etienne of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars underwent an entire franchise reconstruction, spearheaded around Liam Coen’s arrival as head coach. Etienne doesn’t seem to fit into his plans, via Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Perhaps Etienne becomes the Bears much-needed running back pick up if he is released or could be had for cheap.

“And watch for fourth-round running back Bhayshul Tuten to make an impact,” Fowler wrote. “I’ve talked to multiple people in the league who believe the new regime is not so high on Travis Etienne Jr., and Tank Bigsby has a fumbling issue.”

How Travis Etienne affects Chicago Bears 

Etienne came into the NFL with a head full of steam, being drafted No. 25 overall in 2021. As a rookie, he ran for 1,125 yards and five touchdowns on 220 carries. Furthermore, Etienne added 35 receptions for 316 yards yards.

He earned an even bigger role in 2023, being given 267 carries. Etienne broke 1,000 yards for the first time (1,008) while scoring 11 touchdowns. He even added 476 yards and one touchdown through the air on 58 catches. However, Etienne’s 3.8 yards per carry put him in the dog house.

During the 2024 campaign, the running back’s carries dropped to 150. Etienne gained just 558 yards and two touchdowns. His passing game numbers fell to 39 grabs for 254 yards.

On the surface, Etienne’s fall off may make him seem like a player to avoid. However, Jacksonville was a complete mess in 2024, leading to their franchise tear down. The running back clearly isn’t in their plans anymore, but that doesn’t mean he is damaged goods. A change of scenery, under a new coaching staff, could be exactly what Etienne needs to jumpstart his career.

During that rookie season, which was only three years ago, Etienne averaged 5.1 yards per carry. With D’Andre Swift averaging just 3.8 in 2024, that’ll certainly catch Ben Johnson’s eyes. As will Etienne’s pass catching ability. While his numbers have dropped, Etienne has been a consistent target in the pass game. That could be crucial for Caleb Williams as the quarterback finds his footing in the new-look offense.

Etienne may have fallen off in name brand value over the past few years, but he can still be a valuable asset for the Bears. He wouldn’t cost much should he be released and the running back is still only 26-years-old. Assuming he has more than enough playmaking juice left, Johnson would find a way to utilize Etienne’s speed to the Bears’ best advantage.

Chicago is looking at addressing their running back room from all angles. It’d be shocking if Swift and Roschon Johnson remained the top two running backs again entering 2025. If the Jaguars do pull the plug on Etienne, perhaps he could enter the Bears’ plans.