Jaguars to Use Travis Hunter More at Cornerback, Not Abandon Wide Receiver Role

NFL reporter Ian Rapoport provides crucial context on the team's plans for the versatile rookie

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:05am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-motion, with sharp geometric planes in teal, gold, and black colors representing the Jacksonville Jaguars' innovative use of a versatile young player.The Jaguars' plans to use Travis Hunter more at cornerback while still leveraging his offensive talents reflect the team's innovative, multi-dimensional approach to developing versatile young talent.Today in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced earlier this year that 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter will play more cornerback than wide receiver in the 2026 season. However, NFL reporter Ian Rapoport clarified that this doesn't mean the team is abandoning Hunter's role as a two-way player, but rather plans to use him in a more specialized, matchup-specific way on offense while making him a full-time cornerback.

Why it matters

Hunter was one of the most versatile and highly touted prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, with teams debating whether his best pro position would be cornerback or wide receiver. The Jaguars' decision to have him focus more on cornerback raised questions about their long-term plans for the talented rookie, but Rapoport's reporting provides important context that the team still intends to utilize Hunter's skills on both sides of the ball.

The details

Rapoport confirmed that the Jaguars' plan is for Hunter to be more of a 'matchup specific guy' on offense, while making him a full-time cornerback. This aligns with previous reports that the team viewed Hunter as a better pro cornerback prospect coming out of college. However, Rapoport also noted that Hunter is still recovering from a torn LCL injury and may not be at full speed this spring, though he's expected to be fully healthy by training camp.

  • In early 2026, the Jaguars announced that Hunter will play more cornerback than wide receiver next season.
  • On April 12, 2026, NFL reporter Ian Rapoport provided additional context on the team's plans for Hunter.

The players

Travis Hunter

A versatile rookie who won the Heisman Trophy in 2025 and was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he is expected to play a larger role at cornerback while still contributing on offense.

Ian Rapoport

An NFL reporter for NFL Media who provided crucial context on the Jaguars' plans for Travis Hunter, clarifying that the team is not abandoning his role as a two-way player.

Cameron Wolfe

An NFL Media colleague of Rapoport who previously reported that the Jaguars planned to have Hunter play more cornerback than wide receiver in 2026.

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who announced earlier this year that the team would be using Hunter more at cornerback.

Adam Schefter

An ESPN reporter who also stated that the Jaguars are not planning to have Hunter play less receiver, but rather will use him more at cornerback.

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What they’re saying

“First of all, I'm going to go back to Travis Hunter straight, because I'd like a little more information. That's what we do, right? We're in the information game. I'd like a little more information. Which part of this is a question? Is he saying, 'Wow, I can't believe you have all this information,' which is what I assume this is? Because really is a fantastic report, actually, one kind of started by our buddy Cam Wolfe, who first noted that Travis Hunter was going to play more corner this year than receiver.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Reporter

“Now who told you this? 🤔”

— Travis Hunter

What’s next

The Jaguars will continue to monitor Travis Hunter's recovery from his torn LCL injury and determine his exact role and usage during the team's offseason program and training camp.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' plan to have Travis Hunter focus more on cornerback next season doesn't mean they are abandoning his versatility as a two-way player. The team still intends to utilize his skills on both offense and defense, with a more specialized and matchup-based approach on the offensive side of the ball.