As the 2025 NFL season looms, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ running back room has been a hot topic for fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike. With a crowded backfield featuring Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, and rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen, new head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone face tough decisions about who will carry the load—and who might be on the move. Recent comments from Coen about the challenge of determining active game-day running backs have reignited trade rumors, and one bold prediction stands out: the Jaguars could trade Tank Bigsby to the Dallas Cowboys in a deal that sends a surprising ‘treasure’ back to Jacksonville.
While much of the spotlight has been on Travis Etienne—whose expiring contract and dip in efficiency last season make him a prime trade candidate—Tank Bigsby is quietly emerging as an intriguing option for a blockbuster deal. Bigsby, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, proved last season that he’s more than just a backup. With 766 rushing yards on 168 carries, a stellar 4.6 yards per carry, and seven rushing touchdowns in 2024, he outshone Etienne in efficiency and showcased explosive potential. Add in his seven receptions for 54 yards and a receiving touchdown, and it’s clear Bigsby is a versatile asset.
However, with Etienne’s pedigree, the addition of Tuten and Allen in the 2025 draft, and Coen’s new offensive vision, Bigsby might not be the cornerstone piece the Jaguars need. His contract, a four-year, $5.2 million deal running through 2026, is affordable, making him an attractive trade chip for a team looking to bolster their roster elsewhere. If the right offer comes along, Jacksonville could capitalize on Bigsby’s rising stock.
Most interesting part of Coen’s presser. “It’s going to be darn near impossible to have 4 RB’s on game day” they’re still working though it. Mentions Tuten having a better day today than yesterday, and Allen Jr. in pass protect. Is a trade coming? @1010XL
— Rick Ballou (@Ballou1010xl) August 21, 2025
Enter the Dallas Cowboys, a team desperate for a spark in their running game. After losing Rico Dowdle to the Carolina Panthers in free agency, Dallas is rolling the dice with Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams in 2025—a risky bet given their inconsistent track records. The Cowboys’ ground game outlook is shaky, and owner Jerry Jones knows a reliable rusher is critical to keeping their offense balanced and quarterback Dak Prescott’s playmakers firing on all cylinders.
Tank Bigsby could be the answer. His efficiency and burst make him an ideal complement to rookie Jaydon Blue, a dynamic, athletic back with a knack for catching passes out of the backfield. Together, Bigsby and Blue could form a formidable duo, giving Dallas a legitimate rushing attack for the first time in years. Bigsby’s power-running style would grind out tough yards, while Blue’s speed and receiving skills would keep defenses guessing. For a Cowboys team aiming to compete in a tough NFC, this pairing could be a game-changer.
What would it take to pry Bigsby away from Jacksonville? A fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft would likely be the centerpiece, offering the Jaguars valuable draft capital to address other needs, such as bolstering their offensive line or secondary. But the real intrigue lies in the ‘treasure’ Dallas could include to sweeten the deal: a promising young player from their roster, perhaps a depth piece at linebacker or a developmental wide receiver with upside. This surprise addition would give Jacksonville a low-risk, high-reward asset to build around, while Dallas secures a running back ready to contribute now.
For the Cowboys, trading for Bigsby is a low-cost, high-impact move. His contract is team-friendly, and his 2024 performance proves he can handle a significant role. Pairing him with Jaydon Blue creates a versatile backfield that can exploit defenses on the ground and through the air. For the Jaguars, moving Bigsby allows them to lean into Etienne as their lead back, give Tuten and Allen a chance to shine, and acquire assets to address other roster holes. It’s a win-win deal that could reshape both teams’ seasons.
Bigsby’s 2024 Stats: A Snapshot of Potential
To understand why Bigsby is such an enticing trade target, let’s revisit his 2024 performance:
Games Played: 16
Rushing Attempts: 168
Rushing Yards: 766
Yards Per Carry: 4.6
Rushing Touchdowns: 7
Receptions: 7
Receiving Yards: 54
Receiving Touchdowns: 1
These numbers highlight Bigsby’s efficiency and versatility, making him a valuable asset for any team needing a spark in the run game.
While Etienne remains the most talked-about trade candidate, don’t sleep on the possibility of Tank Bigsby landing in Dallas. The Cowboys’ need for a reliable running back, combined with Bigsby’s proven production and affordable contract, makes this trade a logical fit. If the Jaguars pull the trigger, sending Bigsby to Dallas for a fourth-round pick and a surprise ‘treasure,’ it could be the blockbuster move that shakes up the 2025 NFL season. Keep your eyes peeled—this deal could come to fruition sooner than you think.