Jacksonville Jaguars GM James Gladstone confirms Travis Hunter will return next season as a dynamic two-way threat. Expect the Heisman winner to dominate both offense and defense for the Jaguars.
Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said Wednesday the team looks forward to Travis Hunter's return to the playing field -- on both offense and defense.
Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen spoke to reporters Wednesday, stressing that the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 pick in last year's NFL draft would continue as a two-way player for the Jaguars.
Jaguars GM James Gladstone said Wednesday that Travis Hunter, the 2024 Heisman winner and No. 2 draft pick, is a "joy" to be around as the two-way star continues rehabbing a season-ending knee injury. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union)"We still expect him to play on both sides of the ball," Gladstone said, noting Hunter's rehab for his season-ending knee injury is progressing as expected. "Corner is a position that we have a few guys who are on expiring contracts. By default, you can expect there to be a higher emphasis on (Hunter's) placement."
The Jaguars' secondary is studded with players headed for free agency, including cornerbacks Greg Newsome and Montaric "Buster" Brown, safety Andrew Wingard, and linebacker Devin Lloyd. Lloyd, recently named an All-Pro second-teamer, in April had his fifth-year option declined by the Jaguars. The 27-year-old is having his best season ever in the NFL and is expected to command top-dollar on the free-agent market.
Gladstone expressed how deflating the loss of Hunter was to the team, calling the 22-year-old a "joy" to be around, even when he's not on the field.
Hunter had "gotten to a place midseason where he felt like he was starting to peak and really make a real dent, and the plan for post-bye was to continue to enhance that," Gladstone said. "Tough not be able to see that come to life down the back stretch."
Hunter had surgery on Nov. 11 to repair a torn LCL in his right knee. He's expected to return for the team's spring activities in late May, right after his 23rd birthday.
Coen told reporters Wednesday that he anticipated some limitations Hunter will have throughout the offseason.
"I'm really excited about getting back to work with Travis," Coen said.
Jaguars rookie defensive back Caleb Ransaw was lost for the entire season after having foot surgery for an injury he suffered in training camp. Gladstone said Wednesday that Ransaw was close to ready to be reinstated with the team late in the season, but the decision was made not to rush the process.
"Both of those guys are attacking their rehab process in the way that you would expect," Gladstone said of Hunter and Ransaw. "[We are] really looking forward to what their future holds for us and their place on the football team into 2026 and beyond."
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