Bears projected to steal AFC running back with $34 million contract

Jarrett Bailey

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Bears projected to steal AFC running back with $34 million contract image

The Chicago Bears are in the midst of one of the best seasons in recent franchise history. At 11-5, they have won the NFC North and have proven to be one of the best teams in the NFL in Year One under Ben Johnson. And while the postseason is the main focus for the Bears and their fans, many have begun looking ahead to free agency as 18 teams will see their seasons end in less than a week.

Alex Kay of Bleacher Report took a look at the upcoming free agent class of running backs and labeled the Bears as the perfect landing spot for Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, predicting Chicago gives the Clemson product a four-year, $34 million deal.

"Etienne proved that his miserable 2024 stat line (558 yards and two touchdowns on 150 carries) was a fluke, bouncing back to post his third 1,000-yard rushing season in four years," Kay writes. "While his 4.4 yards per carry average isn't as strong as the 5.1 yards he averaged in 2022, it's a major improvement over the 3.8 and 3.7 yards per carry he posted in 2023-24, respectively. Etienne regained his scoring touch in 2025, posting a career-high 13 touchdowns with one game left to find more paydirt."

"Given his contributions in all areas of the offense—he's racked up 286 yards and six of his scores on 35 catches this year—and proven ability to lead a backfield, Etienne should be a desirable free-agent candidate this offseason. While he likely won't command as much as Breece Hall, his affordability could lead to him landing with another up-and-coming contender led by a first-time head coach in the Chicago Bears."

Etienne is in the midst of a resurrection season, as are his Jacksonville Jaguars. They are 12-4 and on the cusp of their first 13-win season  since 1999, and only the second such season in team history. Etienne leads the Jaguars with six receiving touchdowns and 13 total scores on the year while rushing for over 1,000 yards. If the Bears are able to snag him in free agency, he would be a massive get for Ben Johnson's offense.

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Contributing Writer