From Duval To Da Bears? The Case For Chicago’s Next Offensive Spark

As the Chicago Bears continue reshaping their roster around rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the front office may still be one savvy move away from giving their new signal-caller the most balanced offensive attack in the NFC North. One name quietly surfacing as a potential game-changing addition is Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne.

Etienne, a former first-round pick out of Clemson, has been a dynamic but often underutilized weapon in Jacksonville’s offense. Despite logging back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, the Jaguars’ selection of Auburn standout RB Tank Bigsby in 2024 and their continued use of a running-back-by-committee approach raises questions about Etienne’s long-term role in Duval County.

Enter the Bears, a team that’s put considerable effort into surrounding Caleb Williams with weapons this offseason—headlined by a revamped receiving corps featuring DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and newly acquired Olamide Zaccheaus. But while the air attack is shaping up to be lethal, Chicago’s ground game remains something of a question mark.

Roschon Johnson has flashed potential, but has not fully taken hold of the lead role. Free agent addition D’Andre Swift brought some explosiveness, but has durability concerns as well. If GM Ryan Poles is serious about maximizing the offense’s potential—and making Williams’ second year as smooth as possible—trading for a proven back like Etienne could be the next bold step, if he elects not to draft a replacement.

Etienne isn’t just another runner. He’s a dual-threat back with the speed to break big plays and the receiving skills to line up as a slot option—something new Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle could use creatively. With a focus on defensive confusion and slowing down the opponent's processing, his role is to help Bears head coach Ben Johnson build a new offensive system tailored to quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears' talent. Etienne could be a perfect safety valve for Williams while also stretching defenses horizontally.

Of course, any potential deal hinges on compensation. The Jaguars, now under the leadership of Liam Coen, aren’t likely to part with Etienne cheaply. But with just one year left on his rookie deal (plus a fifth-year option), Jacksonville could entertain offers—especially if they believe Bigsby or another back can shoulder more of the load.

For the Bears, the price tag might be a Day 2 pick—something they might hesitate to part with after building through the draft. But consider this: if Etienne becomes the Bears’ version of Alvin Kamara—a do-it-all threat that elevates the entire offense—his impact could far outweigh the value of a second or third-rounder.

Adding Etienne wouldn’t just boost the Bears’ offensive floor—it could dramatically raise their ceiling. With a more dangerous and versatile backfield, defenses would be forced to pick their poison. Stack the box, and Williams hits one of his top receivers. Drop back, and Etienne slashes through lighter fronts.

It’s a long shot for now, but in a league where fortunes change with one aggressive move, the idea of Travis Etienne in a Bears uniform is worth watching.