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Tank Bigsby did not request trade. But here's why Jacksonville Jaguars sent him to Philly
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- Tank Bigsby did not request trade. But here's why Jacksonville Jaguars sent him to Philly
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded running back Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this week for two 2026 draft picks. Bigsby did not ask to be traded, according to head coach Liam Coen .
Coen spoke with reporters to share a few details on how the trade came together, saying it was a combination of factors that led the team to make this decision.
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Part of it was the performance by Travis Etienne on Sunday as he recorded 143 yards on 16 carries against the Carolina Panthers in the season opener.
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Another factor was how quickly rookie backs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. caught on. Tuten had a strong preseason, scoring two touchdowns in three games. Allen has been praised for his pass protection skills and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
With these factors at play, the team felt it was best to give Bigsby an opportunity to move on after evaluating their roster.
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"We feel good about where we're at moving forward," Coen said. "I wish him nothing but the best and he's good dude and just worked out that way. So really feel confident, obviously with some of the way those other guys stepping in did some good things."
Former Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby did not ask for trade
Bigsby, a 2022 third-round pick, is in his third season out of Auburn and still has another year on his rookie deal. He also had a fifth-year option that could've been picked up by the Jaguars, tying him to the club for even longer.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (4) talks with Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen after the Jaguar’s 12th NFL training camp session at the Miller Electric Center, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
But with the team drafting two running backs and signing a third in undrafted free agency, it was always going to be a numbers game. Bigsby could've seen the writing on the wall and requested a trade after Tuten and Allen's quick progression.
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Especially after only getting five carries for 12 yards against the Panthers. However, that's not how it went according to Coen.
"No, there was none of those conversations," Coen told reporters when asked if Bigsby requested to be traded from the team.
Jaguars RBs Bhayshul Tuten , LeQuint Allen understand opportunity
Coen said that both rookie backs understand their roles have increased without having to have a conversation with them.
"It's opportunity for those guys for sure to step up and give us quality snaps," Coen said during his media availability.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen (36) and running back Bhayshul Tuten (33) look on during a rookie minicamp at Miller Electric Center Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Even against the Panthers, he appreciated the way they worked with limited opportunities.
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Tuten had three carries for 11 yards but was able to display his vision and get positive yards despite initially getting contact at the line of scrimmage.
Allen only had one carry in the game against the Panthers. He gained seven yards on it and did well in blitz pick-up, already taking the role as the top back for pass protection. And he caught one pass for four yards.
Now, with Bigsby gone, both of their roles will be increased. Given the small sample size, Coen and company are confident they'll be able to handle the increased burden.
Jaguars working several players at kick returner, including LeQuint Allen, Bhayshul Tuten
Bigsby emerged as the team's top kick returner entering the season.
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While punt returner Parker Washington could slot in to fill the void, it's likely that Tuten and Allen will be leaned on in that department as well.
Coen mentioned Washington, Allen and Tuten when asked who will become the kick returner, adding they'll test a few other players at the position during practice.
Tuten and Allen would make a solid combination of returners with Allen's blocking ability and Tuten's speed combining perfectly to get extra yardage. Another player who's worked at the position is cornerback Christian Braswell.
Needless to say, the Jaguars will have a solution by the time they face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars Liam Coen explains why team traded Tank Bigsby
