Jaguars to Deploy Star Rookie Hunter as Full-Time CB in 2026

Jaguars plan to use 2025 draft pick Travis Hunter primarily at cornerback, reducing his snaps at wide receiver.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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According to a report, the Jacksonville Jaguars plan to use 2025 first-round draft pick Travis Hunter primarily as a cornerback in the 2026 season, reducing his snaps on offense at wide receiver. Hunter played both ways as a rookie, seeing over twice as many snaps on offense as defense, but the team believes his future is brighter on the defensive side of the ball.

Why it matters

Hunter was a highly touted two-way player coming out of college, and the Jaguars' decision to focus him more on cornerback suggests they see his greatest potential on defense. This could impact the team's receiving corps, as Hunter's reduced offensive snaps may open up more opportunities for other wideouts like Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., and Jakobi Meyers.

The details

In his rookie season, Hunter played 324 snaps on offense and 162 on defense, showing promise on both sides of the ball. However, his defensive metrics were strong, with a 50% completion rate and 68.3 passer rating when targeted. The Jaguars believe focusing him more on cornerback will allow him to maximize his superstar potential on that side of the ball.

  • In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jaguars selected Travis Hunter in the first round.
  • In the 2025 season, Hunter played 324 snaps on offense and 162 on defense.
  • Ahead of the 2026 season, the Jaguars plan to deploy Hunter primarily as a cornerback.

The players

Travis Hunter

A 2025 first-round draft pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who played both wide receiver and cornerback as a rookie.

Parker Washington

A wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who is under contract for the 2026 season.

Brian Thomas Jr.

A wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who is under contract for the 2026 season.

Jakobi Meyers

A wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who is under contract for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“From what I understand, [the Jaguars] 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 than cornerback.”

— Cameron Wolfe, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Jaguars will need to determine how to redistribute the offensive snaps previously occupied by Hunter, likely increasing the roles of other wide receivers like Washington, Thomas, and Meyers.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' decision to focus Travis Hunter more on cornerback than wide receiver in 2026 suggests they believe his greatest potential lies on the defensive side of the ball. This move could open up more opportunities for other receivers on the roster, but it also demonstrates the team's confidence in Hunter's ability to develop into a shutdown corner.