Former Heisman winner Travis Hunter will forego two-way duties in favor of a focus on defense, a shift in priorities Jacksonville's front office previously signaled.
Travis Hunter will be a full-time cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars next season, and will be limited in his appearances on offense, according to reporting Thursday by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The Heisman winner and former No. 2 overall pick from 2025's draft class continues in his recovery and rehab from a surgically repaired LCL tear, an injury he suffered in practice in late October.
Prior to being sidelined last season, Hunter recorded 298 receiving yards and one touchdown on 28 receptions along with 15 tackles and three passes defensed.
This outcome had become more likely as the offseason went on, as general manager James Gladstone emphasized in his previous press conferences.
"We still expect him to play on both sides of the ball," Gladstone said in January. "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."
Hunter will still provide head coach and offensive play-caller Liam Coen with a plug-and-play piece on offense, who can use his athletic ability and breakaway speed to make an impact as a receiver.
"We’re going continue to evaluate. What does his schedule look like? Where do we need him more on this day or as a team. We’ll continue to be fluid with that," Coen said regarding Hunter's snap-split in February.
Last season, Hunter played 67 percent of his snaps on offense, the former Colorado star spending roughly a third of his playing time in the NFL on defense. But with emerging offensive talents like Brenton Strange and Parker Washington, the team has emphasized since the end of last season Hunter would likely be deployed more on defense once healthy.
Following the Jaguars' recent re-signing of Montaric Brown to a three-year, $32 million extension, he and Hunter project as the team's top two corners.
The two should complement each other, as Brown had a career year in 2025, leading the Jags with 12 pass breakups while adding two picks and 51 tackles. He excels in zone coverage, using his length and closing speed to make tackles and break on passes.
Hunter's athletic ability and man-to-man capabilities provide the Jaguars with a versatile weapon to move around the defensive backfield.
Although this was not the original goal for Hunter, who wanted to continue his two-way play into the NFL, the move should keep the former Heisman winner healthy and focused.
Gladstone recently said Hunter will be limited in OTAs, but he is on schedule to be fully cleared for training camp.
For Hunter, the pressure is on him for the coming season to fulfill the expectations the Jaguars had and continue to have as a key part of their success going forward.
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