Jaguars' Travis Hunter Disputes Reports of Role Change

The second-year player says he hasn't been informed of plans to use him primarily as a cornerback in 2026.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes and angles that obscure distinct features, reflecting the ambiguity surrounding this player's position and responsibilities.A cubist interpretation of a versatile NFL player whose future role remains uncertain.Today in Jacksonville

Jaguars cornerback Travis Hunter is entering his second NFL season after an injury-shortened rookie campaign. Recent reports indicated the team plans to use him as a full-time cornerback and part-time wide receiver in 2026, a shift from his previous role. However, Hunter took to social media to dispute those claims, suggesting the organization has not informed him of any such role change.

Why it matters

Hunter was a standout two-way player in college and has expressed a desire to continue that versatile role in the NFL. The Jaguars' potential plans to use him primarily as a cornerback could impact his development and opportunities on offense.

The details

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jaguars intend to use Hunter as a full-time cornerback and part-time wide receiver in 2026, a contrast from his rookie season when he played 67% of offensive snaps and just 36% of defensive snaps before a season-ending knee injury. However, Hunter responded on social media, questioning the source of that information and suggesting the team has not informed him of any role change.

  • In 2025, Hunter caught 28 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown while playing 67% of the offensive snaps before suffering a season-ending injury.
  • Hunter is entering his second NFL season in 2026.

The players

Travis Hunter

A 22-year-old cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, entering his second NFL season after an injury-shortened rookie campaign.

Ian Rapoport

An NFL Network reporter who reported that the Jaguars plan to use Hunter primarily as a cornerback in 2026.

Tony Jefferson

A safety for the Los Angeles Chargers who weighed in on the situation, suggesting the Jaguars may have informed Hunter of the role change before publicly reporting it.

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What they’re saying

“Now who told you this?”

— Travis Hunter

“They told him that, they just ain't told you yet rook. Welcome to the league.”

— Tony Jefferson, Chargers safety

What’s next

It remains to be seen if the Jaguars will officially inform Hunter of any role change or if he will continue to be used as a two-way player as he has expressed a desire to be.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the potential disconnect between a player's expectations and a team's plans, as well as the challenges young players face in navigating the NFL landscape. Hunter's response suggests he is still determined to fulfill his goal of being a full-time two-way player, but the Jaguars may have different ideas about how to best utilize his talents.