JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Travis Hunter era in Jacksonville just took a decisive step forward. Jaguars general manager James Gladstone confirmed during a press conference on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, that the team's rookie phenom will indeed play both wide receiver and cornerback during the upcoming season, with a notable increase in defensive snaps expected. Importantly, Gladstone also indicated that Hunter should be a "full go" for training camp after undergoing offseason knee surgery.
For a fanbase still buzzing about the bold move to draft a two-way player with the No. 5 overall pick in April 2026, Wednesday's update provided the first official clarity on the Jaguars' plans. The answer is emphatic: they intend to use Hunter on both sides of the ball.
"Travis is a unique talent," Gladstone said. "We knew that when we drafted him. He's going to play both sides of the ball. We're going to be smart about it, but we're also not going to put a ceiling on him. He's earned that."
The remarks come just days after Hunter's selection sent shockwaves through the NFL. Draft analysts debated whether a modern pro can realistically split time between offense and defense, citing concerns about injury risk and the physical demands of NFL Sundays. Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen, Jacksonville's current head coach and offensive play-caller, have consistently dismissed those doubts and reiterated their commitment to maximizing Hunter's versatility.
Hunter, who underwent a minor knee procedure shortly after the Jaguars' April rookie minicamp, is expected to be fully cleared for the start of training camp in late July. According to Gladstone, the recovery timeline is ahead of schedule.
"He's been in the building every day," Gladstone said. "He's attacking his rehab, and he's also in the meeting rooms -- both meeting rooms," referencing Hunter's commitment to learning dual playbooks. "He's putting in the work on both sides of the ball, mentally, and that's half the battle. When we get to camp, he'll be ready to go."
The confirmation that Hunter will be a "full go" removes any lingering question about his availability for the season opener. While initial reports described the surgery as a minor cleanup rather than a major reconstruction, Gladstone's assurance carries weight. It implies Hunter will not be limited by snap counts or extended ramp-up periods beyond a standard training camp progression.
Defensive Focus with Increased Snaps
A key detail from Gladstone's press briefing was the anticipated increase in Hunter's defensive workload. While Hunter was widely projected to contribute on both sides after being the top cornerback prospect in the 2026 draft class and a decorated receiver at Colorado, the Jaguars' front office now signals a heavier initial emphasis on defense.
"There's going to be an uptick at cornerback this season," Gladstone confirmed. "We think his ability to affect the game from that position -- his ball skills, his instincts, his closing speed -- that's where he's going to make the biggest difference, at least early on. But that doesn't mean we're taking him off offense. He'll still run routes. He'll still catch touchdowns. We're just being intentional about how we deploy him."
This aligns with comments from head coach Liam Coen last week, who underscored a "fluid" role for Hunter, with the defensive backs coach overseeing his workload balance.
For the Jaguars' secondary -- which ranked near the bottom in pass defense last year -- Hunter's arrival represents a significant upgrade. The current cornerback group includes veterans Jourdan Lewis and Christian Braswell, alongside emerging talents like Jarrian Jones and Montaric Brown. Adding Hunter's elite ball-hawking skills -- he recorded 14 career interceptions at Colorado, including four in 2025 -- immediately elevates the defensive unit's overall ability and outlook.
Jacksonville also bolstered depth in the secondary this offseason, signing players such as Keni-H Lovely and Caleb Ransaw. However, none bring Hunter's rare blend of athleticism, instincts, and playmaking prowess. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, entering his first full season with the Jaguars, is expected to employ Hunter in multiple defensive alignments: outside corner, nickel corner, and even occasional safety positions within specialized packages.
Offensive Contributions Remain Key
Despite the increased defensive role, Gladstone emphasized that Hunter remains a vital piece of Jacksonville's offensive plans. The Jaguars' wide receiver room already features breakout star Brian Thomas Jr. and reliable veteran Jakobi Meyers, along with contributors Parker Washington and Tim Jones. Hunter's addition injects a dynamic weapon with unique playmaking abilities.
"We're not asking him to play 100 snaps per game," Gladstone clarified. "He might play 35 to 40 snaps on defense, 20 to 25 on offense. That's manageable. That's what he did at Colorado. He's conditioned for it."
Hunter's massive college workload stood out in 2024 when he logged over 1,000 snaps as a true two-way player, starting at cornerback and wide receiver and handling punt return duties. Nevertheless, the Jaguars have opted to limit his special teams involvement to preserve his durability and focus.
The team's specialized kicking duties are handled by punter Logan Cooke and kicker Cam Little, with return responsibilities likely falling to players like DeeJay Dallas or Parker Washington. This decision aims to manage Hunter's total on-field workload carefully.
Durability remains a universal question mark for any two-way NFL player, and Hunter is no exception. Gladstone acknowledged these concerns but rejected limiting Hunter's role on that basis.
"You don't draft Travis Hunter and then tell him to pick one position," said Gladstone. "That would be like drafting a unicorn and deciding you want a horse. We're going to let him be what he is."
A Franchise-Defining Talent
Heading into 2026, the Jaguars' roster has been substantially retooled. Trevor Lawrence remains the franchise quarterback, leading the offense. Jacksonville has invested heavily in protecting him, signing free agents like center Jonah Monheim and guard Wyatt Milum, while reinforcing their pass rush with additions such as Dennis Gardeck.
On defense, Hunter's acquisition and other offseason signings mark a concerted effort to strengthen a historically porous unit.
Ushering in a modern two-way player is nearly unprecedented in today's NFL. The last notable example was Deion Sanders in the early 1990s, who primarily played cornerback but occasionally contributed offensively. Hunter's projected two-way snap distribution, along with his college track record, far exceeds anything comparable in recent decades.
Gladstone comments on the historical parallel with caution.
"Deion was a Hall of Famer. He's one of one. But Travis has a different skill set. He's bigger, just as fast, and has receiver's hands. We're not trying to recreate anything -- we're trying to write a new chapter."
For Jacksonville, which has not won a playoff game since 2022 and finished below .500 in two of the last three seasons, Hunter symbolizes both hope and a cultural shift. His work ethic, competitiveness, and eagerness to master both playbooks have already earned admiration within the organization.
Looking Ahead
Hunter is slated to participate in organized team activities (OTAs) on a limited basis, focusing principally on individual drills and film study. The full two-way workload will commence with training camp, where coaches can monitor his conditioning and install the detailed packages that will define his role.
Jacksonville opens the 2026 season on the road against the Tennessee Titans, a divisional rival and challenging matchup for any rookie. Whether Hunter takes the field first as a cornerback defender or lines up wide receiver on the first snap remains to be seen. Following Wednesday's confirmation, however, one fact is certain: he will be doing both.
Gladstone summed up the team's bold vision succinctly.
"We didn't draft Travis Hunter to be a specialist. We drafted him to be a player. That's what he's going to be."
This comprehensive confirmation of Travis Hunter's two-way role cements his place as one of the most exciting and unconventional talents in the NFL entering the 2026 season. Jaguars fans and league observers alike will be watching closely as this ambitious experiment unfolds.