Trade Shakes Up Jaguars' Backfield
The recent trade of Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Philadelphia Eagles has sent ripples through the fantasy football community. Announced just hours ago, the Jaguars sent Bigsby to the Eagles in exchange for a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick in 2026, leaving Travis Etienne Jr. as the undisputed RB1 in Jacksonville. This move clears the path for Etienne to take on a larger workload, significantly enhancing his value for fantasy managers heading into Week 2.
Before the trade, there was uncertainty in the Jaguars' backfield, with both Etienne and Bigsby listed as potential RB1 options on the team's unofficial depth chart earlier this season. Now, with Bigsby out of the picture, Etienne is poised to become the focal point of the Jaguars' rushing attack, a development that has fantasy owners buzzing with excitement.
Impact on Travis Etienne Jr.'s Fantasy Value
Travis Etienne Jr.'s fantasy stock has surged following the trade, as he now stands alone atop the Jaguars' running back depth chart. Reports indicate that Etienne showcased his potential in the season opener, rushing for 146 yards on 16 carries, a performance that likely influenced the Jaguars' decision to move Bigsby. Fantasy analysts are already projecting Etienne as a potential top-10 running back for the remainder of the season, given his clear role as the lead back.
The trade also means that Etienne will likely see an increase in touches, both on the ground and through the air, making him a valuable asset in PPR leagues. With no significant competition behind him—rookie Bhayshul Tuten is expected to serve as a backup—Etienne's workload could mirror that of a true bell-cow back, a rarity in today's NFL.
Social media posts on X reflect the optimism surrounding Etienne, with many users noting that this trade 'clears the runway' for him to dominate in Jacksonville. Fantasy managers who drafted Etienne may find themselves reaping the benefits of this unexpected roster shakeup as early as the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
What’s Next for Jaguars and Eagles Backfields
For the Jaguars, trading Bigsby signals confidence in Etienne's ability to carry the load, while also highlighting their depth with younger players like Tuten. The team appears to be focusing on maximizing draft capital for future roster moves, as evidenced by their acquisition of late-round picks in 2026. However, some fans on social media have questioned the decision to trade Bigsby, citing Etienne's injury history and the need for a reliable change-of-pace back.
On the Eagles' side, acquiring Bigsby adds depth to their running back room, though it may not significantly impact fantasy rosters. Bigsby is expected to serve as a handcuff option behind their primary backs, potentially affecting players like Will Shipley if injuries arise. For now, though, the spotlight remains firmly on Etienne and his newfound opportunity to shine in Jacksonville.