This week, we asked Jacksonville Jaguars fans whether the team should re-sign Devin Lloyd and/or Travis Etienne.
37% of fans want both players to return. The remainder of fans are fairly evenly split into three camps: those who want to bring back just Lloyd, just Etienne, or neither one.
Getting the band back together after one hit song (i.e., one good season) isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If the Jags want to keep the good vibes rolling by re-signing Lloyd and/or Etienne, sure, go for it. They’re
incredible players and seem to be respected voices in the locker room. The only potential drawback would be cost. This isn’t about whether either player is worth paying (they are); it’s about whether the Jaguars should break open their piggy bank now or later. Other homegrown players like Travon Walker, Parker Washington, and Brenton Strange will be looking for new deals soon enough.
Head coach Liam Coen made an interesting comment during the regular season when asked about Etienne’s ballcarrier vision in Week 14.
“I thought he saw it pretty well … He’s just playing pretty confidently and having a good understanding as to what we’re trying to get accomplished on some of those schemes. But ultimately, backs get paid to make people miss at the second and third level and get more than what the play is expected to get. If the play is blocked to ultimately get four yards, their job is to get eight. And that’s ultimately what we judge backs by.”
Based on this comment, plus Jacksonville’s interest in 2024 second-round pick R.J. Harvey and their eventual selection of fourth-rounder Bhayshul Tuten (both speedsters), the team is clearly interested in big-play ability at the running back position. The Jags could let Etienne walk if they believe in Tuten. However, Etienne finished 18th among 65 qualifying backs in explosive run rate last season (including playoffs). Tuten finished 61st.
Would Coen and his staff be comfortable with Etienne’s potential departure?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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