Travis Hunter entered the NFL as one of the most intriguing non-quarterback players of his generation with his ability to play on both sides of the ball. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars WR/CB had his season cut short with a knee injury after just seven games.
Despite a lackluster rookie campaign, Hunter’s two-way ability still impressed teammates.
“What he did — not even attempted now — was outstanding and good for our sport,” Jags defensive end Arik Armstead recently told SiriusXM NFL Radio. “He’s a game-changer. He’s probably the most talented athlete, just a pure athlete, I’ve been around and I’ve been around some incredible ones. It was good for our sport and it was good for our team.”
Hunter’s entry into the NFL got off to a slow start as the Jags tried to decide where to deploy the talented athlete. In seven games, he had 28 catches for 298 yards with one touchdown and 305 snaps, according to Next Generation Stats. Seeing far fewer reps on D – just 154 – Hunter had 15 total tackles and three passes defensed.
“He adds a lot of value on both sides of the football and just like everyone’s career, you’re going to have ups and downs with the rookie,” added Armstead. “I think he was hitting his stride before he got hurt.”
In fact, Hunter’s offensive skills began to show, with an 8-catch, 101-yard, TD day against the Rams in Week 7 before the injury wiped out the remainder of the season.
The Jaguars held Hunter out for the season but expect him to be ready for training camp later this month.
“Coming into this offseason, he’s looking really good and he’s healing incredibly well,” Armstead said of Hunter. “I’m excited to see what he’s able to accomplish in Year 2 when he’s back and fit, gets back into the lineup, and hopefully he’ll be able to join us here soon back on the field.
The Jags’ plan for Hunter in 2026 will be key in training camp. It was reported earlier this offseason that the club was planning to make him a full-time CB and part-time WR. At the time, in April, Hunter responded with “Now, who told you that?” Will he settle for that plan or push for more?
Regardless of how the recount plays out, Armstead believes Hunter is in for a big second season.
“Things will slow him down, just as they do for all of us,” the veteran said. “He’ll go into his second year and be in the same system, around the same coaches and know what’s being asked of him. And we know how challenging it can be as a freshman to get a handle on one side of the ball, so I think in Year 2 he’s going to take a big step and help our team in a lot of different ways.”
If Hunter becomes the two-way demon that prompted the Jags to trade up to acquire him, it would go a long way toward keeping Jacksonville atop the AFC South for a second straight season.