Jaguars to Change Travis Hunter's Role Next Season

Former Heisman Trophy winner will focus more on cornerback, less on receiver

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly planning to utilize former Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter differently in his second NFL season. Hunter, 22, is still expected to play both offense and defense, but the team plans to use him primarily as a full-time cornerback with a reduced role on offense as a part-time receiver. This is a shift from last year when Hunter played more than double the snaps on offense compared to defense before a season-ending injury.

Why it matters

The Jaguars have two impending free agent cornerbacks, so they expect Hunter to take over one of those starting spots. This change in usage could help maximize Hunter's skills on defense while still allowing him to contribute on offense in a more limited capacity.

The details

Prior to his season-ending injury in Week 9, Hunter played 67% of the Jaguars' offensive snaps compared to just 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 hope Hunter's return to the lineup will help them build on last season's 13-4 record and AFC South division title.

  • In 2025, Hunter played more than double the snaps on offense compared to defense before a season-ending injury in Week 9.
  • The Jaguars are expected to make the change to Hunter's role ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Travis Hunter

A 22-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner who played both offense and defense for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025 before suffering a season-ending injury.

Montaric Brown

A cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars who is an impending free agent.

Greg Newsome II

A cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars who is an impending free agent.

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What they’re saying

“He will play both sides again in 2026. The big change may come in the usage. From what I understand, they plan to play him as a full-time cornerback, a part-time receiver, which is a switch from last year when he played more than double of his snaps at receiver then cornerback.”

— NFL Network (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Jaguars are expected to let one of their impending free agent cornerbacks walk, clearing the way for Travis Hunter to take over a starting role on defense in 2026.

The takeaway

The Jaguars are looking to maximize Travis Hunter's skills by focusing him more on defense as a full-time cornerback, while still allowing him to contribute on offense in a reduced role. This shift in usage could help the team build on last season's success and solidify their secondary.