Jaguars Have the 16th-Most Expensive Defense in 2026

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the 16th-most expensive defense heading into the 2026 season, and many of their contributors are still on the rookie deals they signed after getting drafted.

Jacksonville is paying its defense $137.3 million next season -- $300,000 fewer than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Several key players, like Ventrell Miller, Travis Hunter and Antonio Johnson, are playing on their rookie contracts.

The Jaguars bolstered their defensive depth with Albert Regis (81st pick), Jalen Huskey (100th pick), Wesley Williams (119th pick), Zach Durfee (233rd pick) and Parker Hughes (240th pick). Having many contributors on inexpensive contracts bodes well for setting a foundation and developing these players under the same defensive system.

Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile shared high praise for Johnson, who transformed into a core player by the end of the season. He highlighted the fifth-round pick's versatility, as he played multiple positions and handled various assignments.

He's got coverage skills, you know, he's got reach and range," Campanile told John Oehser on "The O‑Zone Podcast" on May 5. "He can play back in the half because of that range, and he's got ball skills."

Johnson is entering the final year of his rookie deal, meaning the team could lock and extend him before he enters free agency in 2027. The former Texas A&M Aggie tallied 58 tackles (37 solo), two sacks and five interceptions -- tied for second in the NFL and returned one for a touchdown.

Alongside Johnson, who plays safety, is Hunter, who will see more snaps at cornerback than receiver next season. The 2nd overall pick in the 2025 draft saw his season cut short due to a season-ending torn LCL in his right knee.

Despite the injury, Hunter is a gifted athlete and spending more time in the secondary will display the elite traits Campanile has observed. Jacksonville's defensive coordinator is looking forward to a healthy season for Hunter.

"He's got tremendous balance and stop-start," Campanile said. "He's gifted with that at an elite level and obviously, the ball skills, his ability to take the ball out of the air and cover people up. So, I think that's going to be a huge shot in the arm for us defensively."

The Jaguars saw a jump under Campanile's guidance in his first year with the franchise. They finished 11th in total yards allowed (303.6), first in rushing yards allowed (85.6) and eighth in points allowed (19.8). 

Jacksonville has done a good job of scouting and drafting young talent that can contribute early. Their performances are valuable and have helped the organization avoid spending millions to revamp the defense.

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