Hunter Denies Reports of Full-Time Cornerback Move

Hunter Shoots Down Reports of Full-Time Cornerback Switch

Reports swirled over the weekend suggesting that star player Travis Hunter would be moving to a full-time cornerback role for the upcoming 2026 season. However, Hunter himself quickly shut down these rumors, making it clear that he’s not shifting his focus entirely to defense.

Hunter Responds to Rumors

The speculation started when ESPN, citing NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, reported that Hunter would be transitioning to defense, with only occasional offensive plays. This news excited many, as Hunter is known for his incredible talent on both sides of the ball. But Hunter didn’t wait long to address the claims. He immediately took to social media, asking, “No, who told me this? Huh? Who’s saying all this?”

Adding to the buzz, veteran player Tony Jefferson, a respected voice in the league, chimed in with a classic “OG” tweet. He playfully told Hunter, “Okay, ain’t told you yet, Rook. Welcome to the league, kid.” This exchange highlighted the insider nature of NFL news, where sometimes even players hear about potential moves after they’ve already been reported by the media.

The Jaguars’ Plan for Hunter

While the exact future role for Hunter is still unfolding, sources suggest a more balanced approach. It’s expected that his snaps at cornerback will increase significantly this year. Last season, he played 162 snaps on defense and 324 snaps on offense, showing his versatility. This year, the team plans to still use him at wide receiver, but with a greater emphasis on his cornerback abilities.

This shift in focus comes as the Jaguars lost key players on defense. Greg Newsome was lost in free agency to the New York Giants, and Tyson Campbell was traded during the previous season. With 11 draft picks, including four on day two, the Jaguars are looking to strengthen their roster. They need depth at cornerback, and Hunter’s skills make him a prime candidate to fill that need. The team invested heavily in acquiring Hunter precisely for this flexibility, allowing them to deploy him where needed most.

A History of Two-Way Players

Hunter isn’t the first athlete to play multiple positions in professional football. Players like Pac-Man Jones, Devin Hester, Marcus Jones, Julian Edelman, and Charles Woodson have all showcased their talents on both offense and defense, or as skilled special teams players. These athletes proved that elite talent and dedication can allow players to excel in different roles. Hunter’s ability to perform at a high level on both sides of the ball is what makes him so special.

The Mental and Physical Challenge

However, playing both offense and defense at the highest level presents significant challenges. The mental side of the game is incredibly demanding. Each position requires deep understanding of complex game plans, including adjustments based on opponent’s strategies, formations, and down-and-distance situations. Older players often express doubt about whether any single athlete can truly master both sides of such a tough game week after week.

The physical toll is also a major concern. While Hunter is known for his incredible conditioning and work ethic, the risk of injury is always present in the NFL. Last year’s injury further fueled questions about his durability. The team must consider how to maximize his impact while protecting their investment. Some believe a full-time focus on one side of the ball, with occasional offensive snaps, might be the best way to ensure he can perform at his peak and avoid burnout.

Looking Ahead

Ultimately, the Jaguars seem committed to utilizing Hunter’s dual-threat abilities. While his cornerback snaps will increase, he is still expected to contribute significantly on offense. This approach allows the team to adapt to their current roster needs, particularly in the secondary, while still getting their dynamic playmaker involved in the passing game. How Hunter continues to develop and adapt to the demands of playing both positions will be a key storyline for the Jaguars this season and beyond.

“It’s middle of April and there’s a lot of ways this can go, but here’s the way that I expect it to go right now. He is going to have his his snaps at cornerback spike this year. So, it was 162 snaps on defense last year, 324 offense. He’s still going to play offense, too. The difference this year is just that they lost Greg Newsome in free agency to the New York Giants… So Travis Hunter is going to play a lot more at cornerback, but he’s going to continue playing wide receiver just like he did last year.”

Source: Travis Hunter Refutes Report He's Moving To Full Time Corner For 2026 Season | Pat McAfee Show (YouTube)