Jaguars Running back Tank Bigsby is traded
The Jaguars traded former third round pick Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for 5th and 6th-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft. Bigsby's time in Jacksonville was nothing short of a roller coaster. The pick was a head scratcher at the time considering the team's other roster needs, as well as Bigby's lack of pass catching and blocking ability. This was only made worse with a disaster rookie campaign that saw Bigsby get little playing time and making costly mistakes when he did play.
Early in the 2024 season, it appeared Tank may have turned a corner, recording multiple 100-yard games with highlight worthy runs that showed his potential. He quickly declined, however, falling back into the backup spot and making little impact outside of goal line touchdowns. In the 2025 draft, the Jaguars selected multiple running backs, one of them having the fastest 40-yard dash of any running back in Bhayshul Tuten, the other being ACC touchdown leader LeQuint Allen. This instantly raised questions as to who would be the odd man out in the running back room.
In week 1 it appeared they got their answer. Bigsby had 5 carries for 12 yards while Travis Etienne had 16 carries for 143 yards, looking much more like his 2022 self. Was this all it took or was this the plan all along? It appears this was always the plan, the Jaguars simply needed the right compensation. Getting a 5th and 6th-round pick for a backup running back is a good deal.
Tank's play style was never a fit with Coen's offense. His lack of versatility outside the tackles paired with his blocking and pass catching weaknesses was always going to raise problems and limit his playing time. Now 2025 draft picks Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen have become extremely important.
Not only will this be a chance to see how they perform during the 2025 season, but it is also an audition for the 2026 season. Travis Etienne is set to be an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 season, meaning everyone is fighting for the starting spot this year as well as next year. This trade will have major implications on this season but potentially years down the line as well.