The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter to his rookie contract Sunday. Hunter receives his full $30.57 million signing bonus upfront.
The deal seems straightforward now for the player Jacksonville traded up to select. But things get complicated fast.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports Hunter’s contract value after 2027 will depend on his primary position. The Jaguars plan to use Hunter at receiver and cornerback, plus some nickel coverage.
“When it’s time for the Jaguars to pick up Hunter’s fifth-year option, it will be driven by the position at which he takes the most snaps. Ditto for the franchise tag,”
Florio wrote.
Hunter won’t get paid for both positions until his second contract. That comes after his third season ends.
“That’s when it will get interesting. After the 2027 regular season. Hunter, if he’s playing both ways on a full-time basis, will have every right to be paid for both of his jobs.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both sides.
Jacksonville gave up their 2026 first-round pick and more to move up three spots. They’re essentially getting two players in one draft pick, as their social media announcement confirmed.
“At some point, they’ll need to depart from a Collective Bargaining Agreement that doesn’t contemplate paying extra money to a player who plays both ways,”
Florio noted.
The Heisman Trophy winner enters the NFL with leverage most rookies don’t have. Hunter’s unique skill set puts him in position to reshape how teams value two-way players.
His situation contrasts sharply with fellow Colorado product Shedeur Sanders, who’s dealt with off-field distractions recently.
