Travis Hunter Jr.’s Shift in Role for 2026 Season
Fans looking to draft Travis Hunter Jr. in their fantasy football leagues might need to brace themselves for some changes.
The Jaguars are planning to have Hunter concentrate more on his cornerback duties in the 2026 season, rather than his wide receiver ambitions. NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe shared that they will primarily position him as a cornerback—with just a part-time role as a receiver. This marks a considerable shift from the previous year, when he logged twice as many snaps as a receiver compared to cornerback.
“I can practically hear the sighs from fantasy enthusiasts,” Wolfe mentioned. “They’re holding out hope that Hunter can be a top-tier corner while still making a splash on offense.”
When the Jaguars picked Hunter with the second overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, there was speculation surrounding his potential to be that rare dual-threat player—being a standout in both positions or settling more rigidly into one role.
In his rookie season, Hunter played significantly more on offense, totaling 324 snaps there against just 162 on defense, before an injury cut his season short. In seven games, he caught 28 passes for 298 yards and contributed one touchdown, alongside 15 tackles as a cornerback, but he recorded no interceptions.
General Manager James Gladstone indicated at the close of the season that roster considerations might lead Hunter to take on more defensive responsibilities. Despite having Brian Thomas Jr., Jacobi Myers, and Parker Washington in the receiving corps, the Jaguars may face losses in their cornerback lineup this offseason.
“More than just playing time, we expect him to be versatile on both sides of the ball,” Gladstone pointed out. “Given our current contracts, it’s evident that we have a strong presence on one side, particularly in cornerback. At this stage, it makes sense for Hunter to bear heavier responsibilities there.”
Wolfe noted that Hunter should be ready for the season opener following surgery on his isolated lateral collateral ligament in his left knee.
This past season, the Jaguars finished strong under first-year coach Liam Cohen, achieving a record of 13-4. However, they faced an early playoff exit at home against the Bills.
