Former Clemson running back Travis Etienne is heading back home for the next chapter of his NFL career.
After five years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Etienne — Clemson’s and the ACC’s all-time leading rusher — is leaving Jacksonville to return home to his native of Louisiana on a reported four-year, $52 million deal with the New Orleans Saints.
The news came Monday when the NFL’s legal tampering window opened, allowing teams to start negotiating with players’ agents before free agency officially begins March 11.
The 2025 campaign marked the final year of Etienne’s rookie contract, with Etienne playing on his fifth-year option after being selected by the Jaguars with the 25th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.
This past season, Etienne surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the third time in his four active seasons after missing his entire 2021 rookie campaign due to a season-ending Lisfranc injury he suffered in that preseason. He ran for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns on 260 carries in 2025, while also catching 36 passes for 292 yards and six scores.
The 27-year-old Etienne ranked 11th in the NFL in rushing yards this past season and 17th in the league in yards from scrimmage with 1,399. He accounted for a career-high 13 total touchdowns.
Overall, in 66 career NFL games from 2022-25, Etienne has rushed for 3,798 yards and 25 touchdowns on 897 carries while also catching 168 passes for 1,338 yards and seven more scores.
There were plenty of reactions on social media to the news that Etienne is signing with the Saints. Check out some of what they’re saying below: