As the NFL's franchise tag deadline ended on March 3, 2026, the Jacksonville Jaguars have made a clear statement on their approach to key pending free agents: they will not be applying either the franchise or transition tag on running back Travis Etienne or linebacker Devin Lloyd.
According to John Oehser, senior writer for the Jaguars' official website, the team is prepared to let these cornerstone players test the open market after the league's legal tampering period opens. This decision reflects a calculated, if potentially risky, strategy from General Manager James Gladstone and the front office as the Jaguars prepare for the 2026 league year.
The franchise tag locks in a one-year salary for a player equal to the average of the top five at his position -- a tool teams use to retain star talent while negotiating longer deals or delaying free agency. The transition tag, slightly less costly, gives the team the right to match any external offer. Forgoing both tags on Etienne and Lloyd, who have been pivotal for Jacksonville, signals either confidence in future contract talks or acceptance of the possibility of losing them.
Devin Lloyd: Defensive Leader in Focus
Selected 27th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, linebacker Devin Lloyd has quickly become a bedrock of the Jaguars' defense, known for his dynamic coverage skills, sideline-to-sideline speed, and leadership on and off the field. Letting a player with his impact and draft pedigree enter free agency is uncommon in today's NFL.
This move likely indicates the Jaguars have discussions underway with Lloyd, possibly extending a long-term offer that aligns with their salary cap strategy. Alternatively, it may reflect caution in committing significant resources at linebacker amidst other roster building needs. As defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile and head coach Liam Coen refine the defensive identity, Lloyd's contract status will be among the most closely observed stories of the offseason.
Travis Etienne: A Star Running Back's Market Test
Travis Etienne, chosen 25th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been a vital playmaker in Jacksonville's offense, both as a dynamic runner and a versatile receiving threat out of the backfield. However, the economics of the running back position -- often undervalued and volatile -- impact franchise tag decisions.
The franchise tag for running backs tends to be less lucrative than for other positions, and teams are increasingly opting for cost-effective backfield committees. The Jaguars' decision to not place the franchise tag on Etienne suggests they are either confident in reaching a mutually agreeable contract or ready to explore alternative offensive options.
Letting Etienne reach unrestricted free agency allows him to gauge his market value across the league, giving him agency in his career's next step. His return to Jacksonville will depend on how closely the market aligns with the Jaguars' valuation and cap flexibility.
A Broader Front Office Philosophy
Oehser noted that this stance is part of a broader Jaguars approach -- letting key free agents "test the market" while maintaining financial discipline. It highlights GM James Gladstone's willingness to let negotiations play out rather than overpaying in franchise tag premiums or rushed extensions.
This strategy comes with inherent risks: competing franchises could offer deals the Jaguars consider too costly, potentially resulting in losing foundational players without a direct trade return, though compensation picks are a possibility.
On the upside, prudent cap management preserves long-term roster sustainability and enables flexibility for other key positions. Gladstone's approach suggests a balanced view of talent retention and fiscal responsibility as the Jaguars continue to build around head coach Liam Coen's young core.
Looking Ahead
With the franchise tag window closed, the Jaguars now turn full focus to free agency negotiations and roster construction. While Etienne and Lloyd remain in the team's plans, the future depends heavily on forthcoming contract talks and market dynamics.
The team's recent hires of Anthony Campanile as defensive coordinator and Grant Udinski as offensive coordinator complement Liam Coen's leadership, creating a coaching staff focused on development and adaptability.
Jacksonville's 2026 offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal period. Their decision to pass on the franchise tag for two of their best players illustrates a front office confident in its strategy but aware of the challenges ahead. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely whether this bold approach yields a sustainable contender or sets the stage for difficult roster adjustments.