Jaguars Plan to 'Switch' Travis Hunter's Role in 2026

The team wants to utilize the former No. 2 overall pick as a full-time cornerback with limited offensive snaps.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are planning to switch up the role of Travis Hunter in 2026, their former No. 2 overall draft pick. After playing both offense and defense in his rookie season, the team now intends to use Hunter primarily as a full-time cornerback with only limited snaps on offense.

Why it matters

Hunter was a dynamic two-way player in college, winning the Heisman Trophy. The Jaguars are looking to maximize his talents on the defensive side of the ball, with the team needing to fill a starting cornerback spot with the expected departure of one of their current starters in free agency.

The details

According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, the Jaguars want to focus Hunter's role more on cornerback in 2026, after he played more than double the snaps on offense compared to defense as a rookie. The team believes Hunter can be an elite cornerback while still contributing on offense in a more limited capacity.

  • In 2025, Hunter finished the year with 28 catches for 298 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • Hunter's 2025 season was cut short due to a knee injury that required surgery.
  • The Jaguars are expected to let at least one of their current starting cornerbacks, Montaric Brown and Greg Newsome, depart in free agency.

The players

Travis Hunter

The Jaguars' former No. 2 overall draft pick, who played both offense and defense as a rookie in 2025 before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Liam Coen

The head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who expressed confidence in Hunter's ability to bounce back from his injury.

Trevor Lawrence

The Jaguars' starting quarterback, who previously raved about Hunter's abilities as a playmaker on offense.

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What they’re saying

“They're coming off a magical season, and they think 2026 can be even better, because they get their unicorn back. Travis Hunter is expected to be 100%, full-go, by Week 1.”

— Cameron Wolfe, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

“Feel bad for the guy, for the kid, for our team, for everything, but he's in good spirits right now. Minor setback for a major comeback. That's just the way it's got to be.”

— Liam Coen, Head Coach (Jacksonville Jaguars)

“He's so special when he gets opportunities downfield or just catches the ball underneath. He can make people miss [tackles] and turn five-yard passes into 25-yard gains because he's so good with the ball in his hands. He has so much talent.”

— Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)

What’s next

The Jaguars will need to determine which of their current starting cornerbacks, Montaric Brown or Greg Newsome, they will let depart in free agency in order to make room for Travis Hunter to take over a full-time starting role at the position.

The takeaway

The Jaguars are looking to maximize Travis Hunter's talents on the defensive side of the ball, as they believe he can be an elite cornerback while still contributing on offense in a more limited capacity. This move highlights the team's desire to build on their success from the previous season and take the next step as a contender in the AFC.