The Jacksonville Jaguars’ running backs are being closely evaluated for the upcoming 2025 fantasy football season, with Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, and rookie Bhayshul Tuten all getting notable rankings from Pro Football Focus (PFF). Etienne is placed in Tier 5, described as a starting candidate with tempered expectations. In contrast, Bigsby and Tuten are categorized in Tier 6, which points to their potential backup roles with opportunities for playing time.

Etienne ranked 33rd overall among running backs, a significant drop considering his first-round pedigree. Bigsby and Tuten follow closely at 42nd and 48th, respectively. Tuten is noted for his strong college statistics, suggesting he could emerge as a sleeper in the rotation as the Jaguars’ coaching staff looks to maximize their offensive output.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially signed their fourth-round draft pick, Bhayshul Tuten, to a four-year rookie contract worth $5.276 million. Tuten's deal includes a signing bonus of $1.076 million, with $269,130 of that amount being prorated over the four years of the contract. His base salary will start at $840,000 in Year 1 and gradually increase to $1.235 million by Year 4. This contract structure is consistent with the rookie wage scale, which dictates the earnings for first-year players based on their draft position.

From a fantasy perspective, Tuten's contract details reveal a commitment from the Jaguars to invest in their running back depth. With Travis Etienne Jr. leading the charge, Tuten’s role will largely depend on his performance in training camp and preseason. However, should he impress, he could become a valuable asset in deep fantasy leagues, especially if the Jaguars look to utilize him in a change-of-pace role.

The Jacksonville Jaguars' running backs are set to compete for significant roles this season, with Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, Bhayshul Tuten, and LeQuint Allen poised for varying workloads under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen. The Jaguars are in dire need of consistency in their running game, which is integral to Coen's strategy. A reliable ground attack keeps the offense ahead of the chains, allowing for more diverse play-calling and reducing predictability in passing situations.

To enhance the offensive line, GM James Gladstone has focused on competition and depth this offseason, aiming for improved performance upfront. PFF grades for each running back shed light on their past performances, showcasing how they can contribute to establishing a more balanced attack this season. The emphasis on multiplicity in Coen's offense could unlock the potential of these skill players, allowing them to exploit defensive weaknesses.

As the NFL season approaches, savvy fantasy football players recognize the importance of securing backup running backs who can serve as handcuffs to starting players. Targeting players like Jordan Mason, Zach Charbonnet, Isaac Guerendo, Tank Bigsby, and Bhayshul Tuten can provide significant value, especially considering they often come at a discount during drafts. Players such as Jaylen Wright and others also emerge as prime candidates to stash on your bench.

Finding the right handcuff can mean the difference between winning and losing in fantasy leagues. Stashing these backups allows managers to cover injuries or unexpected performance dips from starters. Moreover, the strategy of identifying potential gems among backups fosters a proactive approach that is essential in today's competitive fantasy landscape.