Jaguars Trade Bigsby: How Does It Impact Both Teams’ Running Back Depth?
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles pulled off a surprising trade early in the 2025 NFL season, sending running back Tank Bigsby to the Eagles in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick. This move has significant implications for the running back depth charts of both teams, creating opportunities and raising questions about their respective offensive strategies. Just a day after Bigsby had five carries for 12 yards in the Jaguar’s opening game against the Carolina Panthers, the trade was announced. Let’s delve into how this trade impacts each team.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Leaning on Etienne and the Rookies
The Jaguars’ decision to trade Bigsby signals a clear shift in their confidence in Travis Etienne Jr. Etienne, a former first-round pick, had a strong Week 1 performance against the Panthers, rushing for 143 yards on 16 carries. This impressive showing may have solidified the team’s belief in Etienne as the lead back and influenced their willingness to part with Bigsby.
Travis Etienne Jr.: The Clear Lead Back
With Bigsby gone, Etienne is now the undisputed top running back in Jacksonville. After a somewhat disappointing 2024 season, where he tallied 558 rushing yards and two touchdowns, Etienne looks poised to reclaim the form that made him a highly touted prospect. New coach Liam Coen seems to have unlocked Etienne’s potential, and the team is clearly ready to give him the opportunity to shine.
Bhayshul Tuten: Opportunity Knocks for the Rookie
The trade also opens the door for rookie Bhayshul Tuten to play a more significant role. Tuten, a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft from Virginia Tech, is an explosive player with high expectations. While he only had a limited role in Week 1, Tuten is now the primary backup to Etienne and could see his touches increase as the season progresses. Tuten had a standout season at Virginia Tech in 2024, rushing for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns.
LeQuint Allen Jr.: A Potential PPR Surprise?
LeQuint Allen Jr., a seventh-round pick from Syracuse, is another player who could benefit from Bigsby’s departure. Allen is a versatile back with strong receiving skills, making him a potential asset in PPR (points per reception) leagues. He was extremely productive in his final two collegiate seasons with 2,085 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on 473 carries in addition to 102 receptions for 731 yards and five touchdowns. Allen might end up as the third-down back for the Jaguars.
Cody Schrader: New Addition to the Backfield
To fill the void left by Bigsby, the Jaguars signed Cody Schrader off the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad. Schrader, who played college ball at the University of Missouri, will likely serve as the No. 4 running back and provide depth. In two seasons (2022-23) at Missouri, Schrader totaled 2,371 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns on 446 carries (5.3 avg.) and 41 receptions for 328 yards.
Philadelphia Eagles: Adding Depth Behind Barkley
For the Philadelphia Eagles, acquiring Tank Bigsby is all about adding depth and talent to their running back corps behind star Saquon Barkley. With Will Shipley dealing with a rib injury, the Eagles needed another reliable option to spell Barkley and contribute in various roles.
Saquon Barkley: The Workhorse
Saquon Barkley is the clear lead back in Philadelphia, and the Eagles will rely heavily on him to carry the load. However, given Barkley’s history of injuries and the wear and tear of a long season, having a capable backup is crucial.
Tank Bigsby: A Versatile Complement
Bigsby brings a combination of power and versatility to the Eagles’ backfield. He is a strong runner with the ability to break tackles and gain tough yards. Bigsby also has experience as a kick returner, which could be valuable given the NFL’s new kickoff rules. Bigsby rushed for a team-leading 766 yards and seven touchdowns last season for the Jaguars.
Will Shipley and A.J. Dillon: Uncertain Roles
The arrival of Bigsby creates uncertainty for Will Shipley and A.J. Dillon. Shipley’s rib injury further complicates the situation, while Dillon’s role may be reduced with Bigsby now in the mix. Ultimately, Bigsby’s performance in practice and games will determine his place in the Eagles’ running back rotation.
Final Thoughts
The Tank Bigsby trade is a move that benefits both the Jaguars and the Eagles in different ways. Jacksonville gains draft capital and clarifies their running back situation, paving the way for Travis Etienne Jr. to be the lead back. Philadelphia adds a talented and versatile running back to provide depth behind Saquon Barkley and contribute on special teams. As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact the performance of both teams’ running games.