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The Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly plan to use cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter on defense in 2026. That’s news to the 2025 first-round pick.
NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport first reported the news on Thursday. Hunter responded to the report on Sunday, indicating Rapoport was incorrect.
“Now, who told you this?” wrote Hunter.
What did Jaguars GM James Gladstone say about Travis Hunter’s usage in 2026?
Rapoport’s report contradicts a comment Gladstone made about Hunter’s usage during the team’s end-of-season news conference in January.
“We still expect him to play on both sides of the ball,” Gladstone said (h/t On3’s Nick Kosko).
Will Jaguars stick to that plan?
The Jaguars traded four draft picks (including two first-rounders) to the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 draft to move up from No. 5 to No. 2 and take Hunter. Gladstone said the 2024 Heisman winner would prove he’s worth what they dealt because his versatility could “change the trajectory of the sport.”
The Jaguars, though, failed to maximize Hunter’s talents in 2025. He played in seven games before suffering a season-ending right knee injury, logging one touchdown catch and three passes defended. The same medical concern is expected to limit him during OTAs (which begin on May 26).
Playing Hunter, who turns 23 on May 18, both ways could continue to tax the former Colorado Buffaloes star. He played 486 snaps (324 offensive and 162 defensive) in 2025.
Some players have lined up on offense and defense in the NFL, but not extensively. Former Washington Commanders/Denver Broncos CB Champ Bailey played some WR during his 15-year career, but mainly in special packages.
“I wanted to play both sides of the ball when I got to the league, too, and had some chances to line up and play some offense,” Pro Football Hall of Famer Bailey told ESPN’s Jeff Legwold in December 2024. “But I think the difficulty of really doing it is hard to comprehend.”
The Jaguars clearly failed to fathom that as well. Jacksonville doesn’t have to adopt a plan like the one Rapoport outlined in his report, but it would be best for the team if Hunter prioritized one position. Juggling both could be too much for the young star, preventing him from living up to his pre-draft billing.
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