Jaguars make Travis Hunter decision

The Jacksonville Jaguars are poised to make a bold move this offseason with one of their most intriguing young stars. The Florida franchise has reportedly decided to deploy Travis Hunter primarily as a starting cornerback heading into his second NFL season, while crafting specific offensive packages for him as a wide receiver. It’s a strategy that doesn’t shock anyone, but it does clarify the final vision for one of the most versatile talents of his generation.

Hunter’s defensive abilities deemed key

The news was reported by Cameron Wolfe, who explained that the coaching staff believes Hunter’s biggest and most immediate impact comes on the defensive perimeter, where he can influence the game on a snap‑to‑snap basis. That contrasts with his offensive production, where - while solid - he didn’t quite display the elite version of himself that electrified college football.

A decision that makes strategic sense

Hunter is no stranger to the two‑way role. During his collegiate career, he became a national phenomenon precisely because he performed at a high level both as a receiver and as a cornerback, racking up game‑changing plays on both sides of the ball. That rare versatility was one of the key reasons Jacksonville felt confident investing heavily in him on draft night.

In his first professional season, injuries slowed some of his momentum. Wrist surgery limited him to just seven games, but even in that short stretch he flashed glimpses of his ceiling. Offensively, he logged 28 receptions - an average of four per game - for 300 yards, strong numbers given his defensive workload and the time it took to recover.

Still, it’s in coverage where the Jaguars see the bigger edge. In those same seven games, Hunter allowed only 11 completions, which works out to just 1.5 receptions surrendered per contest. Those metrics reinforce the decision to elevate him to the team’s CB1 role.

The move carries clear strategic logic. A dominant cornerback affects every defensive series, while a receiver’s involvement can be more situational and dependent on game flow. Jacksonville isn’t abandoning the idea of tapping into his offensive explosiveness - they’re simply prioritizing locking down the perimeter with a player capable of neutralizing an opponent’s top target.

The 2026 season now shapes up as the true consolidation of the Hunter project in the NFL. He won’t be deployed as a full‑time two‑way player, but he will function as a hybrid weapon designed to maximize matchups. Jacksonville has made its choice about which side of the ball will define him - and all signs point firmly toward defense.

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