Travis Hunter confirmed as full-time cornerback for the Jaguars in 2026

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport has confirmed that the Jacksonville Jaguars plan to use Travis Hunter as a full-time cornerback and part-time receiver in 2026.

After playing 323 offensive snaps in his rookie season and only 162 on defense, the plan is for those roles to be reversed and skewed even more heavily toward his role as a cornerback.

The news confirms what NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe had flagged back in February .

Hunter's Wembley display makes this surprising

For fans who watched Hunter in London, this change may raise an eyebrow.

In Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, he put on a show, posting eight catches for 101 yards and his first career touchdown.

While that outing was his last due to a non-contact knee injury in practice days later that prematurely ended his season, the display made the case for Hunter as a genuine offensive weapon.

Injuries to other receivers created the opportunity, but Hunter's performance suggested he was more than capable of becoming a dynamic outlet for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Why the Jaguars are moving Hunter to CB

The move is not an indictment of Hunter's performance as a receiver; it's a decision based on the Jacksonville depth chart.

At wideout, Brian Thomas Jr., for all his troubles with drops early last year, is a WR1 when he's on his game.

Behind him, Parker Washington emerged as a real difference-maker, and Jakobi Meyers made an immediate impact after arriving at the trade deadline.

The cornerback room is slightly thinner. Montaric Brown signed an extension, slot cornerback Jourdan Lewis remains in place, and Jarrian Jones showed improvement, but a replacement - and upgrade - for Greg Newsome was needed.

Travis Hunter's injury recovery is on track

Mike Carlson / Stringer

The positional news came alongside an encouraging injury update. Jaguars GM James Gladstone said Hunter is expected to be a full participant by training camp, describing him as a limited participant through the offseason programme with full health expected by late July.

Hunter suffered a torn LCL in October and missed the entire second half of the season. His surgery took place in early November, with the original six-month timeline putting him on track for a full return in May.

What Hunter's switch means for the Jaguars

Hunter will almost certainly see offensive snaps in specific packages. Even with a reduced offensive role, his presence alone is likely to force defensive adjustments given his ability to make explosive plays.

But his primary job - assuming injuries don't throw a spanner in the works - is now cornerback, where he has the rare traits and athleticism to excel as a potential shutdown corner.