Travis Hunter to become full-time cornerback: Why Jaguars two-way star won't play much WR in 2026

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Travis Hunter to become full-time cornerback: Why Jaguars two-way star won't play much WR in 2026

Travis Hunter to become full-time cornerback: Why Jaguars two-way star won't play much WR in 2026

Don't expect to see much of Travis Hunter on offense this season.

Travis Hunter to become full-time cornerback: Why Jaguars two-way star won't play much WR in 2026

Don't expect to see much of Travis Hunter on offense this season.

Get ready to see a new-look Travis Hunter in 2026. The Jacksonville Jaguars' electrifying two-way star is set to focus almost exclusively on cornerback this upcoming season, a strategic shift from the team's original plan to deploy him on both sides of the ball.

After trading up to select the Heisman Trophy winner with the No. 2 overall pick in 2025, the Jaguars envisioned Hunter as a unique offensive and defensive weapon. However, his rookie campaign was cut short by a knee injury, and the team's evolving roster dynamics have prompted a change in strategy.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the plan is for Hunter to be a "full-time corner, part-time receiver." This move allows the young star to master one premier position while he continues to recover from LCL surgery, with the expectation he'll be ready for training camp.

The decision makes practical sense on several levels. Hunter's rookie production at wide receiver was limited, and concentrating on cornerback lets him refine his technique at a premium defensive position. Furthermore, the Jaguars' receiving corps looks stronger now, with Jakobi Meyers in the fold and Parker Washington coming off a breakout year, lessening the immediate need for Hunter's offensive snaps.

While fans may miss the spectacle of a true two-way player, this focused approach could be the key to unlocking Hunter's full All-Pro potential at cornerback. It's a calculated move by Jacksonville as they aim to defend their AFC South title, betting that a shutdown corner will be more valuable than a part-time receiver in 2026.

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