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nto the next. A strong season for the Jacksonville Jaguars came to a crashing halt on Wild Card weekend, when the 13 win Jaguars came up just short against the Buffalo Bills, losing 27-24 to end their season. Making the playoffs for the first time since 2022 and winning their most amount of games in a season since 1999, there is no doubt that there is a lot to look forward to in Jacksonville.
But now, the focus shifts to 2026 and how the team can build for a more successful campaign. Drafting former Colorado standout Travis Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the rookie sensation only played in seven games before suffering a season ending knee injury in practice. Expected back in time for the start of the ’26 campaign, the Jaguars revealed their plans for their young star– signaling that they want to continue to put Hunter’s full skillset on display.
Jaguars Still Want Hunter Playing Both Ways
When Hunter was drafted, questions quickly arise about how sustainable it would be for him to play both sides of the ball at football’s highest level. After all, not only is the NFL season much longer than college, but playing both ways on a regular basis can negatively affect the body. But the Jaguars did not draft Hunter to limit him, with general manager James Gladstone declaring that the team intends to keep him as a two-way player in 2026.
“We still expect him to play on both sides of the ball,” Gladstone said. “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.”
Before Hunter got hurt, his rookie season was nothing to write home about. Catching 28 passes for 298 yards and only one touchdown, Hunter only made 15 total tackles on defense without an interception, and was slow to find a rhythm. But entering his second season and now understanding what playing in the NFL is like, Hunter will go into the ’26 campaign ready to attack and hope that he can break out in a big way.
Hunter’s Role with the Jaguars
At first, the Jaguars took their time in allowing Hunter to play both sides of the ball, often having him alternate between offense and defense. In total, Hunter was on the field for 324 offensive snaps (67%) and 162 defensive snaps (36%) and as the season went on, and struggles from players such as Brian Thomas Jr. became evident, the Jaguars started to utilize Hunter in the passing game more. Known for his explosiveness, the Jaguars wanted to have a guy like Hunter on the field more often.
“With Travis having gotten to a place midseason where you felt like he was starting to peak,” Gladstone added. “Tough not to see that come to life down the backstretch.”
After Hunter went down, the Jaguars traded with the Las Vegas Raiders for Jakobi Meyers. And even though the Jaguars signed Meyers to a three-year extension, keeping him in the team’s plans for the foreseeable future, Hunter still remains a top priority for the up and coming Jaguars franchise.
Jaguars Reveal Plans for Travis Hunter in 2026