The Jacksonville Jaguars had Super Bowl hopes in 2025. If you were to say that before the season began, people may have looked at you a little perturbed. The team was coming off of a 4-13 season, had a new first-time head coach in Liam Coen and quarterback Trevor Lawrence was on the verge of being considered a total bust.
But everything came together for Jacksonville in 2025. They went 13-4, were hosting a first round playoff game and vibes were high. Ultimately, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills ruined the party. Heading into 2026, Coen’s Jaguars can feel very good about where the organization is at. In fact, they are probably ecstatic that they will have their second overall pick, Travis Hunter, back in the fold. A lot has happened since Hunter was on the gridiron, but in the eyes of Jaguars GM James Gladstone, nothing has changed in his long-term plan.
Jaguars still want Travis Hunter to play both sides of the ball
Gladstone recently spoke to local media and delivered an update on Hunter’s rehab process and what they envision for the player going forward into his second season.
“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. Obviously at this point, walking into the offseason, corner is a position where we have a few guys who are on expiring contracts. So, by default, you can expect there to be a higher emphasis on his placement.“
While Gladstone and the Jaguars are holding strong on the idea of Hunter playing both sides, it’s clear that cornerback seems to be where he’ll get more playing time, especially if the front office doesn’t add more pieces at that position in the offseason. That lines up with Jacksonville’s in-season moves, too.
Jaguars are suddenly stacked at wide receiver, relegating Travis Hunter to backup role
The Jaguars traded for veteran wideout Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline, then inked him to a three-year, $60 million extension after he developed a strong rapport with Lawrence. Parker Washington turned into a dynamic and versatile receiving option for Lawrence in Hunter’s absence. Brian Thomas Jr., who had an up and down season, got a vote of confidence from Coen on Wednesday.
With those three wide receivers having established key starting roles, that leaves Hunter as the No. 4 receiver. Many believed Hunter was a better cornerback prospect coming out of Colorado. Odds are he will play a lot more cornerback than wide receiver in 2026, once he’s back to full health.
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