The Jacksonville Jaguars officially began their offseason program at the Miller Electric Center on Tuesday with the first of nine voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs), marking the start of the Liam Coen era. The full roster was on hand, including all 10 draft picks and returning veterans, underlining the franchise's hope to finally assemble a healthy, cohesive core.
The excitement surrounding this session was fueled primarily by two storylines: the return of star cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter from a season-ending knee injury, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence stepping onto the field fully healthy for the first time in two offseasons.
Trevor Lawrence: A Healthy Reset
Coming off a shoulder surgery that significantly hampered his 2025 season, Trevor Lawrence enters the 2026 offseason physically revitalized. He struggled last year with accuracy and mobility issues, evident in diminished deep throws and hesitation to scramble. The rehabilitation limited his offseason prep, leaving the Jaguars eager to see the pre-injury version of their franchise quarterback.
Head coach Liam Coen and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski are installing a system tailored for Lawrence's strengths -- focused on quick reads, pre-snap motions, and getting the ball in the hands of dynamic playmakers in space. A team source emphasized confidence as the key difference this offseason.
"He's not thinking about the shoulder anymore. He's just playing football," the source said.
Lawrence's readiness is paramount for the Jaguars' hopeful playoff push. The front office, led by GM James Gladstone, has reinforced the offensive line with additions like guard Patrick Mekari and center Jonah Monheim, aiming to maximize Lawrence's impact. Early impressions from Tuesday's OTA suggest Lawrence's arm strength and accuracy are back, giving the Jaguars renewed optimism.
Travis Hunter's Comeback
Travis Hunter's return is another major storyline. The first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft suffered a devastating knee injury in Week 8 of his rookie season, cutting short what was a spectacular debut campaign. Hunter impressed on both sides of the ball, snagging three interceptions as a cornerback and contributing 489 receiving yards with four touchdowns as a wide receiver.
The Jaguars' coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile and offensive coordinator Udinski, remain committed to utilizing Hunter's unique two-way abilities, a rare approach in the NFL. However, the injury raised concerns about the feasibility of this dual role.
Tuesday marked Hunter's first full-speed practice in nearly nine months, a cautious step in his rehabilitation process.
According to a team spokesperson, "He's been cleared, he's been running, he's been lifting, but nothing compares to being on the field with teammates in a competitive setting."
The plan during OTAs is to gradually reintroduce Hunter in both cornerback and offensive packages. Defensive snaps will initially be rotated, while offensive involvement will be carefully scaled up. The goal is to have Hunter fully integrated by the start of training camp in late July.
Hunter's development will be closely watched this spring and summer, with his health and versatility potentially boosting both Jacksonville's secondary and receiving corps to new heights.
New Coaching System and Team Dynamics
Beyond player comebacks, Tuesday's OTAs were an important first step for the Jacksonville Jaguars under the leadership of new head coach Liam Coen. Coen, formerly the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive coordinator, is spearheading a shift away from a traditional pro-style offense toward a more dynamic spread system emphasizing tempo, versatility, and situational football.
The Jaguars have realigned their offensive philosophy around zone reads, run-pass options (RPOs), and heavy utilization of 11 personnel. This includes increased involvement of running backs in the passing game. The backfield trio of LeQuint Allen Jr., DeeJay Dallas, and second-year Bhayshul Tuten is expected to sustain a significant role beyond traditional rushing duties. The tight end unit, highlighted by Brenton Strange, Hunter Long, and Patrick Herbert, will be asked to stretch defenses with seam routes and mismatches.
On defense, Anthony Campanile is tasked with molding a unit that finished mid-tier last season but has received meaningful reinforcements. Veteran cornerback Jourdan Lewis adds experience to the secondary, while the pass rush remains anchored by Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. Additionally, free-agent acquisition Arik Armstead bolsters the defensive line's interior strength, potentially elevating overall defensive pressure.
Special teams, led by coordinator Heath Farwell, return steady performances including promising third-year kicker Cam Little, who looks to improve on a strong inaugural season.
Looking Ahead
The Jaguars' OTA schedule continues over the next three weeks with eight more sessions concluding before mandatory minicamp June 15-17. Minicamp offers the last critical evaluation before the team breaks for summer and prepares for the rigors of training camp opening in late July.
The tone at Miller Electric Center is one of cautious optimism. With Trevor Lawrence healthy and confident, Travis Hunter back in action, and a coaching staff installing a fresh philosophy tailored to their strengths, Jacksonville seems poised for meaningful progress.
The true test will arrive once pads go on, but Tuesday's start to the Coen era provides a hopeful vision for a franchise in search of stability and identity. For one spring day in late May, the Jaguars looked like they could be on the cusp of a new chapter -- one where health and talent finally align.
The weeks ahead will reveal whether this promise can translate to sustained success on the field. For Jaguars fans, this fresh start is one they have eagerly awaited.