Those holding fantasy footballs shares of Travis Hunter Jr. need a hug.
The Jaguars plan for the two-way phenom to focus more on his cornerback duties than his wide receiver role during the 2026 season, according to NFL Network.
“They plan to play him as a full-time cornerback, a part-time receiver, which is a switch from last year when he played double his snaps at receiver than cornerback,” Cameron Wolfe said Friday night.
“I hear fantasy football fans groaning. They think Travis Hunter can be an elite cornerback and still an impact player on offense.”
There had been questions after the Jaguars drafted the former Heisman Trophy winner with the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft if he would remain a unicorn in the NFL, a true two-way standout, or eventually settle more into one role while aiding with the other position when needed.
Hunter played more on offense than defense last year before his season ended early due to an injury, playing 324 offensive snaps to 162 defensive plays (exactly twice the amount), per Pro Football Talk.
He did not truly shine on either side in seven games, catching 28 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown as a receiver and registering 15 tackles with zero interceptions as a cornerback.
Jaguars general manager James Gladstone indicated at the end of the season that the team’s roster construction may call for Hunter to serve more in a defensive capacity.
Jacksonville already has Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington in in its receiving room, while the team could lose at least one cornerback this offseason.
“Beyond that, in the role that he’ll play, we still expect him to play on both sides of the ball,” Gladstone said, according to Pro Football Talk. “Obviously, you can take a peek at expiring contracts on our roster and which side of the ball has more. Obviously at this point, walking into the offseason, corner is a position where we have a few guys who are on expiring contracts.
“So, by default, you can expect there to be a higher emphasis on his placement.”
Hunter is expected to be ready for the start of the season after undergoing surgery to repair an isolated lateral collateral ligament in his left knee, per Wolfe.
Jacksonville enjoyed a breakout 13-4 season under first-year coach Liam Coen, winning the AFC South before losing to the Bills at home in its first playoff game.
