The Jacksonville Jaguars’ plan for Travis Hunter will be the same in 2026 as it was in 2025: he will play on both sides of the ball.
In an end-of-season press conference, general manager James Gladstone said the team was encouraged by the progress Hunter made before his season-ending knee injury and looked forward to seeing the progress he makes in 2026.
“We still expect him to play on both sides of the ball,” Gladstone said Wednesday morning. “The progress he had made at mid-season really gave us confidence in what the second half of the year would be like on both sides of the ball and the impact he would have as a key player on offense and an impact player on defense.
« [La blessure] came at a disappointing time, but we are nevertheless optimistic about the direction we are heading this offseason and what next year should hold. »
The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner finished his rookie season with 28 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown, along with 15 tackles and three pass deflections. He played 67% of the team’s offensive plays and 36% of the defensive plays before injuring his knee during practice on October 30.
The Jaguars had decided to switch the passing game to Hunter before their Oct. 19 game against the Los Angeles Rams in London, in part because of his skill and ability to create opportunities, but also because of Brian Thomas Jr.’s struggles. Hunter caught eight passes for 104 yards and a touchdown in the 35-7 loss.
“Travis had reached a level mid-season where you felt like he was starting to peak and really make a difference,” Gladstone said.
The Jaguars traded wide receiver Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline on November 4, sending the Las Vegas Raiders their fourth and sixth round picks in the 2026 draft. The Jaguars signed Meyers to a three-year, $60 million contract extension on December 18.
Hunter has been rehabbing since undergoing surgery Nov. 11 to repair a torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee. The team previously said Hunter was expected to return to full activity by the start of next training camp.
“For him, it’s now about getting through his rehabilitation and focusing mentally because we’ll have some constraints throughout the off-season program,” said head coach Liam Coen. “But I’m really looking forward to working with Travis again and continuing this evolution and seeing what happens.” »
