The Jacksonville Jaguars will use two-way star Travis Hunter as a full-time cornerback and part-time receiver in 2026, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported.
Hunter, the second pick of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Colorado, had a disappointing rookie season in Jacksonville after arriving with big expectations on both sides of the football. Now, according to Rapoport, the team views him as more of a defender than an offensive weapon.
The 22-year-old hurt his knee during an October practice and ultimately required season-ending LCL surgery. He finished his rookie campaign with just 28 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown to go with three passes defended and 15 tackles on defense.
Rapoport did say Hunter is expected to be a full participant by the time training camp rolls around in late July, but that won’t be the case during offseason team activities (OTAs) this spring.
The trade for Hunter was costly for the Jaguars, who surrendered two first-round picks to the Cleveland Browns as well as second-, fourth- and sixth-round selections for the right to draft the Heisman Trophy winner.
As a result, the Jaguars’ first-round pick in this month’s draft now belongs to the Browns, who also have the No. 6 selection by virtue of their own 5-12 record in 2025.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will primarily use two-way star Travis Hunter as a full-time cornerback and part-time receiver in 2026, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported
The trade for Hunter was costly for the Jaguars, who surrendered two first-round picks to the Browns as well as second-, fourth- and sixth-round selections to move up in the draft
Last season wasn’t all bad for Hunter.
In addition to being drafted second overall and signing a $46 million contract, Hunter also married his long-time girlfriend Leanna Lenee at a ceremony in Athens, Tennessee on May 24.
Hunter’s shift to defense was only possible thanks to the Jaguars’ depth at receiver.
Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington both return for Jacksonville after recording a combined 106 catches in 2025, while midseason acquisition Jakobi Myers is coming off his own 75-catch season as Jacksonville reached the playoffs.
The 2026 campaign will be the Jags’ last in Jacksonville until 2028 due to some stadium remodeling. The team will play 10 games in Orlando in 2027 before the $1.4 billion renovations are completed.
