The Jacksonville Jaguars made their first outside signing of the 2026 free-agency cycle when they agreed to terms with former Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. The team announced the move March 11. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, Rodriguez’s deal is worth two years and $10 million, with $6.2 million guaranteed.That part is simple. Travis Etienne Jr. is gone after agreeing to terms with the New Orleans Saints, and Jacksonville needed another back. The more interesting part is what this says about the Jaguars’ plans for Bhayshul Tuten. Rodriguez is not just depth at that price. He is walking into a real role, and that changes the math in Jacksonville’s backfield.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. gives the Jaguars a replacement, but he also muddies Bhayshul Tuten’s runway
Rodriguez gives Jacksonville a credible early-down option. He rushed for 500 yards and six touchdowns on 112 carries in 2025 while starting seven games for Washington. Over three NFL seasons, he has 920 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. He also knows Jaguars head coach Liam Coen from Kentucky, where Coen was his offensive coordinator in 2021.That familiarity matters. Rodriguez said Jacksonville felt like the best opportunity for him. “As far as to why Jacksonville, I feel like it’s an opportunity. I feel like it was going to be the best opportunity for me. I know Liam and he knows me. I know the type of standard he expects and I feel like we can get that done.”But this is where the move gets tricky for Jacksonville.The Jaguars had a chance to find out whether Tuten could handle a true RB1 role in 2026. Instead, they added another back who is almost certain to take snaps and carries. That may help the offense function week to week. It may also limit Tuten before the Jaguars fully learn what he is.General manager James Gladstone all but confirmed the committee angle when he discussed the room this week. “And outside of just Bhayshul, you’ve got LeQuint [RB LeQuint Allen Jr.], who carved out a very clear role and contribution to the football team, bringing in Chris and you’ve got a nice little trio alongside [RB] DeeJay Dallas and [RB] Ja’Quinden Jackson. So, it’s a really good crew that we feel confident in at this stage.”
The real risk is that Jacksonville solves one problem while creating another
This is not a bad signing. Rodriguez is productive, physical, and affordable by current market standards. He also fills a clear need after Etienne’s departure.The risk is more specific than that. Jacksonville may be building a backfield committee before giving Tuten a full shot to become the lead back. If Tuten hits, the Jaguars have capped their own evaluation window. If he does not, then the Rodriguez deal will look smart.That is why this signing matters more than the raw contract number. Jacksonville did replace Etienne. But it may have also shown that it is not fully ready to hand the backfield to its most intriguing young runner just yet.
