The Jacksonville Jaguars had a successful first season under Liam Coen. The team finished as the second seed in the AFC for the playoffs before falling to the Buffalo Bills in the Wildcard round. But even with that loss, the Jaguars seemed to find something and have something to build on going into this offseason. But like the 31 other teams in the NFL, the Jaguars have some things to work on and some questions to answer going into their 2026 season. Travis Hunter is one of those questions the Jaguars have this offseason. The dynamic wide receiver/cornerback played in seven games before ending the season on Injured Reserve with a torn LCL in his right knee, requiring surgery and a six-month recovery time. When he comes back, though, one question will remain: Offense or defense?
When Hunter first entered the NFL, people were excited to see him play both offense and defense and what he could do. After watching his highlights at the University of Colorado, people were clamoring to see the speed, hands, smarts and ability he flashed on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. His incredible ability captivated the world and the Jaguars so much that they traded up to the second overall pick to get him, giving up their 2026 first-round pick and other picks to secure the opportunity to draft him and use him on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately, it did not look like people wanted it to: he played some games more defensively and others sporadically on offense, and vice versa. So, with how things went after Hunter was out for the season and the success the Jaguars had, it may be time to face a reality when it comes to Hunter.
The Jaguars, offensively, figured out a few things after Hunter was injured and out for the season. Along with figuring some things out, the Jaguars also traded for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers from the Raiders. Once he was added to the offense, he gave the Jaguars a receiver who was consistent every time he stepped on the field for them. With Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Parker Washington as their top three receivers, quarterback Trevor Lawrence looked even more comfortable. This development allows the Jaguars to consider having Hunter not on offense anymore, or at least using him sporadically on offense with a special package of plays. And more importantly, it puts Hunter where he is most needed: on defense.
The Jaguars have been missing a top corner all season long. They did not get that type of play out of cornerback Tyson Campbell before trading him to the Cleveland Browns for Greg Newsome II. And when Greg Newsome II had opportunities to shine for Jacksonville, he faltered as well. Hunter might not be the sturdiest corner in terms of his build, but his ability is uncanny and his smarts are off the charts at cornerback. He has all the abilities to be a top cornerback in the NFL. And Jacksonville could use that ability, too, because they were ranked 21st in passing defense in the NFL, an area they can improve. And, along with the Jaguars not having much salary cap space this offseason, many of the answers to what they need to improve could come from within their walls.
There is no doubt that Hunter is an exceptional athlete. He can do a ton of things. But for right now, the Jaguars’ offense showed they can operate fine without him. He can add more to the defensive side of the ball, hopefully uplifting their secondary and taking away some things that were considered easy against their pass defense.