The Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly plan to use cornerback/extensive receiver Travis Hunter on protection in 2026. That is information to the 2025 first-round choose.
NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport first reported the information on Thursday. Hunter responded to the report on Sunday, indicating Rapoport was incorrect.
“Now, who advised you this?” wrote Hunter.
What did Jaguars GM James Gladstone say about Travis Hunter‘s utilization in 2026?
Rapoport’s report contradicts a remark Gladstone made about Hunter’s utilization in the course of the crew’s end-of-season information convention in January.
“We nonetheless count on him to play on each side of the ball,” Gladstone said (h/t On3’s Nick Kosko).
Will Jaguars follow that plan?
The Jaguars traded 4 draft picks (together with two first-rounders) to the Cleveland Browns in the course of the 2025 draft to maneuver up from No. 5 to No. 2 and take Hunter. Gladstone said the 2024 Heisman winner would show he is price what they dealt as a result of his versatility may “change the trajectory of the game.”
The Jaguars, although, failed to maximise Hunter’s skills in 2025. He performed in seven video games earlier than struggling a season-ending proper knee damage, logging one landing catch and three passes defended. The identical medical concern is anticipated to restrict him throughout OTAs (which start on Might 26).
Taking part in Hunter, who turns 23 on Might 18, each methods may proceed to tax the previous Colorado Buffaloes star. He performed 486 snaps (324 offensive and 162 defensive) in 2025.
Some gamers have lined up on offense and protection within the NFL, however not extensively. Former Washington Commanders/Denver Broncos CB Champ Bailey performed some WR throughout his 15-year profession, however primarily in particular packages.
“I wished to play each side of the ball once I acquired to the league, too, and had some possibilities to line up and play some offense,” Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer Bailey told ESPN’s Jeff Legwold in December 2024. “However I feel the issue of actually doing it’s onerous to understand.”
The Jaguars clearly didn’t fathom that as nicely. Jacksonville would not must undertake a plan just like the one Rapoport outlined in his report, however it will be greatest for the crew if Hunter prioritized one place. Juggling each may very well be an excessive amount of for the younger star, stopping him from dwelling as much as his pre-draft billing.
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