The Kansas City Chiefs, despite their 1-2 start in the 2025 NFL season, have made a bold move to address their struggling rushing attack. With the offense sputtering and heavily reliant on quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire Jacksonville Jaguars’ star running back Travis Etienne Jr., a former first-round pick with nearly 3,000 career rushing yards.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently highlighted Etienne as a prime trade candidate, noting that the Jaguars might be open to moving the dynamic running back to focus on their younger talent. With Jacksonville drafting Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. in the 2025 NFL Draft, and after trading Tank Bigsby to the Eagles, the Jaguars appear ready to transition to a new era in their backfield. Etienne, who is playing out his fifth-year option with a $6.143 million salary and no contract beyond 2025, became an attractive trade target.
The Chiefs, unwilling to let their early-season struggles define their campaign, seized the opportunity to add a proven playmaker. Etienne, who has amassed 2,961 career rushing yards and 19 touchdowns since being drafted in 2021, brings a much-needed spark to Kansas City’s ground game. Through the first three weeks of the 2025 season, he ranks among the league’s top rushers with 270 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his ability to be a game-changer.
Kansas City’s rushing attack has been a glaring weakness in 2025. Patrick Mahomes, the team’s MVP quarterback, leads the Chiefs with 125 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while lead running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have struggled, both averaging less than four yards per carry. The lack of production from the backfield has put immense pressure on Mahomes to carry the offense, a burden that has contributed to the team’s uneven start.
With Etienne now in the fold, the Chiefs have a versatile, explosive running back capable of alleviating the pressure on Mahomes. His ability to break off big runs and contribute as a pass-catcher out of the backfield makes him an ideal fit for Andy Reid’s creative offensive schemes. This acquisition allows Kansas City to diversify their attack and keep defenses off balance, a critical factor as they aim to climb back into playoff contention.
Despite their 1-2 record, the Chiefs are far from waving the white flag. As Graziano noted, Kansas City, led by head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, is known for being aggressive at the trade deadline. The acquisition of Etienne signals their intent to bolster the roster for a deep playoff run. The Chiefs’ front office clearly believes that adding a player of Etienne’s caliber can help turn their season around and position them for another Super Bowl chase.
In addition to the Etienne trade, the Chiefs are poised to receive a boost from the return of key players. Second-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy is nearing a return from a shoulder injury suffered in the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. Top receiver Rashee Rice is also set to rejoin the team in Week 7 following the completion of his suspension. These reinforcements, combined with Etienne’s arrival, could transform Kansas City’s offense into a formidable unit.
Travis Etienne’s addition to the Chiefs is a game-changer. His 4.9 yards-per-carry average over his career and his ability to break tackles and accelerate in open space make him a perfect complement to Mahomes’ passing prowess. Furthermore, Etienne’s experience as a receiving back—amassing over 1,000 receiving yards in his career—adds another dimension to Kansas City’s offense. Whether it’s taking handoffs, catching swing passes, or serving as a decoy to open up the passing game, Etienne’s versatility will give opposing defenses nightmares.
The trade also allows the Chiefs to manage the workload of Pacheco and Hunt, preserving their health for the critical stretch run. With Etienne as the centerpiece of the running game, Kansas City can reduce the wear and tear on Mahomes, who has been forced to scramble and create plays on his own too often this season.
The Chiefs’ acquisition of Travis Etienne Jr. is a statement move that underscores their refusal to let a slow start derail their championship aspirations. With a proven star in the backfield, reinforcements on the way at wide receiver, and the ever-reliable duo of Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, Kansas City is poised to make a strong push in the second half of the season.
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Chiefs have shown they are willing to make bold moves to address their weaknesses. With Etienne now wearing the red and gold, Kansas City’s offense is primed to return to its explosive form, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff run in 2025.