The Jacksonville Jaguars shocked the NFL world with their first major move of the 2025 season, but it wasn’t the blockbuster signing fans expected. Instead, they traded away their leading rusher from last season, sending running back Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles for 2026 fifth and sixth-round picks. The move raises immediate questions about Jacksonville’s offensive strategy and whether they genuinely believe in their remaining backfield options.
What Does This Trade Mean for the Jaguars’ Running Back Room?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the trade, which was a surprise given Bigsby’s production. In 2024, Bigsby led the Jaguars with 766 yards on 168 carries and seven touchdowns.
The move gives the Jaguars some draft capital while providing the Eagles with depth at running back. More importantly, it completely reshuffles Jacksonville’s running back room heading into the 2025 campaign.
Trade: Jaguars are sending RB Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks, per sources. pic.twitter.com/yKn7CIf27j
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2025
Now that Bigsby has been sent to Philly, the Jags have more clarity in their running back room. They know who they’ll use as their lead back while they shake out who will be the primary backup.
1. Travis Etienne
This immediately gives Travis Etienne the first crack at reclaiming his lead back role. He had already drawn the start in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers and carried 16 times for 143 yards. His performance may have influenced Jacksonville’s brass when it came to trading Bigsby.
This is a make-or-break year for Etienne, as he’s in the fourth year of his rookie contract. He was drafted 25th overall in 2022 and ran for 2,133 yards and 16 touchdowns over his first two seasons. Injuries cut into his playing time in 2024, and he had only 150 carries for 558 yards and two touchdowns.
If Etienne has returned to form, this could be a big year for him. He already looks like he’s fit into head coach Liam Coen’s offense, as evidenced by his 8.9 YPC in Week 1.
2. LeQuint Allen Jr.
Allen had only one carry on Sunday for seven yards, but the rookie was drafted in the seventh round in 2025 out of Syracuse with the idea of him being utilized as a third-down back and pass catcher out of the backfield.
Allen had 64 receptions on 83 targets in 2024 with the Orangemen and could find some use in Coen’s Sean McVay-inspired offense.
2A. Bhayshul Tuten
Tuten is a strong contender for the No. 2 spot after turning heads in the preseason with 16 carries for 59 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He added a modest three receptions for 22 yards.
The Virginia Tech product will likely take over the primary backup duties. He’s an explosive back, and while he’s only 5’9″ and 206 pounds, he runs a 4.32 40-yard dash and can burn a defense if he gets into the open field. He’s one of those backs where if you give him an inch of daylight, that’s all he needs.
Bigsby’s trade may have come as a bit of a surprise, but if nothing else, it creates clarity in terms of who the Jags are counting on to be their bell cow back: Etienne.
