The Minnesota Vikings have positioned their offense for success in 2025, bolstered by key offseason acquisitions. The team fortified its interior offensive line with the additions of Will Fries, Ryan Kelly, and 2025 first-round draft pick Donovan Jackson. They also drafted third-round wide receiver Tai Felton, adding depth to the passing game. Perhaps their most significant move was re-signing running back Aaron Jones, who delivered a career-best performance in 2024. However, the departure of Sam Darnold has ushered in the J.J. McCarthy era at quarterback, leaving questions about how the former Michigan star will fare as the new signal-caller in Minneapolis.
Running Back Depth: A Hidden Need
Despite Jones’ stellar 2024 season, concerns linger about the running back position. At 31 years old by season’s end, Jones’ long-term durability is a question mark. Backup Jordan Mason has shown promise, but his success behind San Francisco’s elite offensive line and Kyle Shanahan’s outside zone scheme raises questions about his standalone potential. While Mason is a capable runner, the Vikings lack a reliable third-down or pass-catching back to complement their current roster.
Travis Etienne: The Missing Piece
Enter Travis Etienne, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ dynamic running back whose role in Florida appears uncertain. The Jaguars made waves in the 2025 draft, trading their second-round pick (#36) and a 2026 first-rounder to move up, while also selecting speedy running back Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round and LeQuint Allen Jr. in the seventh. Combined with the emergence of 2024 third-round pick Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville’s backfield is suddenly crowded. Etienne’s absence from OTAs earlier this week has fueled speculation that his time with the Jaguars may be nearing an end.
Etienne, a former Clemson standout with over 3,400 career scrimmage yards, could be the perfect fit for Minnesota. His versatility as a runner and receiver makes him an ideal third-down back, capable of thriving in the passing game while adding explosiveness to the Vikings’ offense. Although his $6 million salary for 2025 is notable—especially after a 2024 season where he recorded 558 rushing yards—the Jaguars might be willing to absorb part of his contract to facilitate a trade.
The Proposed Trade
In a blockbuster move, the Vikings could acquire Etienne for a modest price, given Jacksonville’s crowded backfield and desire to move on. The proposed deal is straightforward:
Minnesota Vikings get: Travis Etienne
Jacksonville Jaguars get: 2026 Fifth-Round Pick
For Minnesota, this trade addresses one of the few remaining weaknesses on their roster, outside of the cornerback position. A mid-to-late Day 3 pick is a small price to pay for a player of Etienne’s caliber, especially as the Vikings aim to maximize the next three years of J.J. McCarthy’s rookie contract.
Why It Makes Sense
Etienne’s addition would give the Vikings a versatile, three-headed monster at running back alongside Jones and Mason. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield would add a new dimension to Minnesota’s offense, providing McCarthy with a reliable safety valve. With a bolstered offensive line and a promising young quarterback, Etienne could be the final piece to make the Vikings’ offense a legitimate threat in 2025.
This trade would send shockwaves through the NFL, signaling Minnesota’s all-in approach to building a contender around their rookie quarterback. Etienne, a proven Swiss Army knife with game-changing potential, could be the key to unlocking the Vikings’ full offensive potential.