The Jaguars are expected to boost Travis Hunter’s role at cornerback next season while still using him on offense, the report says. General manager James Gladstone signaled an uptick in Hunter’s defensive snaps during postseason remarks, and the team’s offseason moves have suggested confidence in expanding his work on that side of the ball.
The report notes Hunter was a two-way player as a rookie after the Jaguars traded up for him because of his versatility, but speculation surfaced this offseason that he would transition to a primarily defensive role. Gladstone is cited as forecasting more cornerback usage, and he reiterated on the Rich Eisen Show that cornerback snaps should increase without necessarily limiting Hunter’s offensive availability.
Jacksonville’s personnel decisions this offseason reinforced that view, per the report. The team re-signed one expiring cornerback contract while allowing another to lapse and added only undrafted free-agent corners, rather than bringing in a veteran to address the position. The report says that pattern indicates the Jaguars are comfortable expanding Hunter’s role at corner.
Usage numbers from Hunter’s rookie year provide context: he totaled 459 snaps before missing the final seven games after an LCL tear in practice, and about two-thirds of those snaps came at wide receiver, the report says. The most reasonable forecast mentioned is a reversal of that split, with Hunter taking roughly two defensive snaps for each offensive snap.
The report also notes offensive depth that could limit Hunter’s snaps at receiver. Parker Washington’s breakout and Jakobi Meyers’ midseason arrival stepped up during Hunter’s absence and amid Brian Thomas Jr.’s downturn, and Jacksonville added Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher, suggesting more two-tight-end looks. Per the report, the coming season should clarify how the Jaguars balance Hunter’s two-way value.
