Jaguars Shift Star Rookie Hunter's Focus to Defense

The team plans to have the two-way player focus more on cornerback in his sophomore season.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Jacksonville Jaguars plan to have star rookie Travis Hunter focus more on playing cornerback in his second NFL season after he split time on offense and defense as a rookie. Hunter, who was the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, missed most of his first season due to a knee injury but is on track to be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign. The team's general manager hinted that the move is due to a lack of depth at cornerback on the roster.

Why it matters

Hunter was a standout two-way player in college, starring both as a shutdown cornerback and a talented wide receiver. The Jaguars made a bold move to trade up and select him, and his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball was a big part of their plan. Shifting his focus to defense in his second season could help solidify the Jaguars' secondary as they look to build on their 13-4 season and AFC South division title.

The details

As a rookie, Hunter played 324 snaps at wide receiver and 162 snaps at cornerback for the Jaguars. However, his season was cut short after seven games due to a torn LCL ligament in his right knee that required surgery. With several cornerbacks on the Jaguars' roster set to hit free agency, the team plans to have Hunter focus more on that position in 2026 as they look to shore up their secondary.

  • Hunter was selected 2nd overall by the Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • Hunter appeared in 7 games as a rookie in 2025 before suffering a season-ending knee injury.
  • Jaguars GM James Gladstone discussed the team's plans for Hunter in his end-of-season media availability.

The players

Travis Hunter

A two-way star who was the 2nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played both cornerback and wide receiver in college at Jackson State and Colorado.

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Liam Coen

The head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who led the team to a 13-4 record and an AFC South division title in his first season.

Brian Thomas Jr.

A Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously you can take a peak at expiring contracts on our roster and see which side of the ball has more. At this point walking into the offseason, 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 his placement [at corner].”

— James Gladstone, General Manager, Jacksonville Jaguars

What’s next

The Jaguars will need to determine their cornerback depth in free agency before finalizing their plans for Hunter's role in 2026.

The takeaway

The Jaguars are shifting their star rookie Travis Hunter's focus to the defensive side of the ball, with plans to have him play more cornerback in his second NFL season. This move is likely driven by the team's need to shore up their secondary with several cornerbacks set to hit free agency, and highlights the Jaguars' commitment to building a well-rounded team around their talented young core.