Jaguars Plan to Change Travis Hunter's Usage After Injury-Shortened Rookie Season

The former Heisman Trophy winner is expected to focus more on cornerback next season.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:45pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of teal, gold, and black representing the Jacksonville Jaguars' colors.The Jaguars' plan to refocus Travis Hunter on cornerback could unlock his full potential after an injury-shortened rookie season.Los Angeles Today

The Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly plan to deploy former Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter as a full-time cornerback next season, moving him away from his previous two-way role as a cornerback and wide receiver. Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had his rookie season cut short by an LCL tear but is expected to be a full participant in training camp as he recovers.

Why it matters

The Jaguars are looking to maximize Hunter's value after he showed promise on both offense and defense as a rookie. With the departure of cornerback Greg Newsome II in free agency, Hunter has a chance to solidify himself as a starting cornerback and help the Jaguars build on their 13-4 season and AFC South division title in 2025.

The details

Prior to his season-ending injury, Hunter played 67% of the Jaguars' offensive snaps compared to 36% of defensive snaps. In seven games, he caught 28 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown. On defense, he had 15 tackles and three pass breakups. The Jaguars believe focusing Hunter on cornerback will allow him to reach his full potential in the NFL.

  • In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jaguars selected Travis Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick.
  • Hunter sustained a season-ending LCL tear in practice heading into Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season.
  • The Jaguars expect Hunter to be a full participant in training camp in 2026 as he continues to recover.

The players

Travis Hunter

A former Heisman Trophy winner who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played both cornerback and wide receiver as a rookie before suffering a season-ending injury.

Greg Newsome II

A cornerback who played for the Jaguars in 2025 but departed for the New York Giants in free agency, leaving an open starting spot for Travis Hunter.

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What they’re saying

“(The Jaguars) expect him to be a full-time corner, part-time receiver, which when you talk to teams last year, that probably was where they thought the value was and really where they thought the production would lie.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter

What’s next

The Jaguars expect Hunter to be a full participant in training camp in 2026 as he continues to recover from his LCL tear.

The takeaway

The Jaguars are looking to maximize Travis Hunter's potential by focusing him on cornerback, where they believe he can make the biggest impact. This move comes after Hunter showed promise on both offense and defense as a rookie before his season was cut short by injury.