![Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) signals a first down during the third quarter in an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Bills lead 10-7 at the half over the Jaguars. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1542,h_867/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/130/01kjdptvtey85y4dfwzt.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) signals a first down during the third quarter in an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Bills lead 10-7 at the half over the Jaguars. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]")
The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to improve their running game. General manager Brett Veach mentioned at the Scouting Combine this week that more explosive plays from that spot are necessary. In terms of who they could add in free agency, one NFL analyst believes that Travis Etienne would be a perfect fit for Kansas City.
On Wednesday's edition of The Mina Kimes Show, Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports voiced how Etienne's strengths can match K.C.'s scheme.
"I saw the Travis Etienne smoke of going to the Chiefs as well," Tice said. "More than most teams, I'm okay with that with the Chiefs. Other teams, I'd be like wary of it. But actually for what the Chiefs do and how they would use him- screen game, they need home runs."
Analyst buzz links Travis Etienne’s explosive skill set to the Chiefs’ push for a more balanced, big-play rushing attack.
Kimes and Tice also alluded to the strength of the Chiefs' offensive line. Even Veach was quick to mention at the Scouting Combine the comfort their interior trio gives them. Etienne is known for his change-of-direction skills, vision, and burst. When you mix in the zone blocking that Kansas City's offensive line thrives on, Etienne could quickly elevate the rushing attack.
You also have to look at the price point if Kansas City were to go after him. Pro Football Focus projects that Etienne will earn a three-year deal worth $11.5 million per season on the open market. The price is steep compared to what the Chiefs have paid at the running back position before.
However, all of the signs are there. The Chiefs need a more balanced attack to take some pressure off Patrick Mahomes while he returns from injury. Etienne allows a team to run a more traditional ground game. After how bad Kansas City was running it out of RPO looks, a more natural attack is necessary.
Plus, Etienne can give the Chiefs the chunk gains and explosives they have been missing from the running back group. Finally, the dual-threat possibilities of this free-agent option would open up the screen game, as Tice discussed. K.C. has failed to produce in that area over the last few years. Andy Reid would thrive there once again with someone like Etienne.
In what seems like Kansas City's best potential option at a bold running back signing, the buzz around an Etienne-Chiefs fit is only continuing to magnify as the offseason rolls on.