The Jacksonville Jaguars plan to continue using Travis Hunter as a two-way player in 2026, according to general manager James Gladstone.
Hunter will play both wide receiver and cornerback despite suffering a season-ending knee injury that raised questions about the physical demands of his dual role.
“We still expect him to play on both sides of the ball,” Gladstone said Wednesday. “Obviously, you can take a peek at expiring contracts on our roster and which side of the ball has more. … 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.”
“He’s hitting it hard… We still expect him to play on both sides of the ball.”
James Gladstone on Travis Hunter’s rehab process and the energy he brings each day. pic.twitter.com/KRguDGVynR
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) January 14, 2026
The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner from Colorado played 324 offensive snaps and 162 defensive snaps across seven games before suffering a non-contact knee injury during practice Oct. 30.
Hunter’s rookie numbers showed promise on both sides. He caught 28 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown. On defense, he recorded 15 tackles and three pass breakups.
He appeared on 67% of Jacksonville’s offensive snaps and 36% of defensive snaps.
The Jaguars had started featuring Hunter more in the passing game before their Oct. 19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in London. The increased usage came partly because of Brian Thomas Jr.’s drop issues and Hunter’s explosiveness.
Hunter responded with eight catches for 104 yards and a touchdown in that game.
“With Travis having gotten to a place midseason where you felt like he was starting to peak,” Gladstone said. “Tough not to see that come to life down the backstretch.”
Jacksonville later acquired Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders and signed him to a three-year extension. But Hunter remains a key part of the franchise’s plans.
He underwent surgery Nov. 11 to repair a torn lateral collateral ligament. The team expects him to return to full football activities within six months.
Coach Liam Coen had said late in the season it was too early to determine whether the team would continue using Hunter on both offense and defense. Gladstone’s comments Wednesday provided clarity on the organization’s direction.
