In a significant shift for the upcoming 2026 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars are set to emphasize Travis Hunter Jr.“s role as a cornerback over his responsibilities as a wide receiver. This decision comes after an evaluation of his performance and the team”s strategic needs, as reported by NFL Network.
According to Cameron Wolfe, the Jaguars plan to utilize Hunter primarily as a full-time cornerback while allowing him to contribute as a part-time receiver. This marks a notable change from the previous year, where he doubled his snaps as a receiver compared to his time on defense.
There have been ongoing discussions regarding Hunter”s potential as a unique two-way player in the NFL, especially after he was selected second overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Last season, Hunter”s offensive presence overshadowed his defensive contributions due to injuries that cut his season short. He recorded 324 offensive snaps against 162 defensive plays, catching 28 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown, while also registering 15 tackles without any interceptions as a cornerback.
Following the season, James Gladstone, the Jaguars” general manager, hinted at a roster construction that would require Hunter to take on more defensive responsibilities. With established receivers like Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Parker Washington already on the roster, the team may need to focus on bolstering their cornerback depth, particularly with several players on expiring contracts.
Gladstone noted, “In the role that he”ll play, we still expect him to play on both sides of the ball. Obviously, you can take a peek at expiring contracts on our roster and which side of the ball has more.” His comments suggest that the cornerback position may see more significant turnover, increasing the demand for Hunter”s skills in that area.
Despite the adjustments to his role, Hunter is expected to be ready for the season opener following surgery to repair a lateral collateral ligament in his left knee. The Jaguars are coming off a strong 13-4 season, under the leadership of first-year coach Liam Coen, and will look to build on that success in the upcoming year.
