Jaguars Bet Big on Travis Hunter’s Unique Talent
The Jacksonville Jaguars shocked the football world during the 2025 NFL Draft, trading up to the No. 2 overall pick to select a player unlike anything the league has seen in decades: Travis Hunter. In exchange, the Jaguars gave up their No. 5 pick, two more selections this year, and a first-rounder in 2026 — a massive price tag for a massive talent.
Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, isn’t just a two-way player. He’s a full-blown two-way phenomenon — a shutdown cornerback and a top-tier wide receiver, depending on how you look at him. His college coach, Deion Sanders, redefined versatility during his own career, but even Prime would admit: Hunter is something entirely different.
Now, Hunter begins his NFL journey as a Jacksonville Jaguar, bringing fluid coverage skills, explosive offensive instincts, and a work ethic that’s already making headlines.
Focused on Offense First, But Two-Way Duties Coming Soon
According to Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, Hunter will first dive deep into the offensive playbook to get comfortable at wide receiver.
“His intent is on playing both sides of the ball, as is ours,” Gladstone told ESPN. “When it comes to his onboarding process, we’ll give him a heavy dose of offense and sprinkle in the defensive side of the ball, knowing that by the time we get to the regular season, those should be balanced out.”
Gladstone emphasized that there’s no clear blueprint for developing a rookie into a two-way NFL starter, calling the process “uncharted territory.” Still, the Jaguars believe Hunter will be ready to contribute on both sides of the ball by Week One — a key reason why they made such an aggressive move to draft him.
Two Positions, One Paycheck: The Future of Travis Hunter’s Contract
Hunter’s versatility is a blessing on the field — but it’s a challenge when it comes to the business side.
Even his rookie deal, projected north of $46 million over four years, feels like a steal for a player Jacksonville hopes will change the franchise. But soon enough, Hunter and his agents at Young Money APAA Sports and SMAC Entertainment — a team with Lil Wayne in the mix — will be negotiating a contract that could reshape the NFL’s salary structure.
The dilemma? Top wide receivers are expected to earn an average of $34.85 million in 2025, while top defensive backs will make around $24.82 million, according to Spotrac. That’s a staggering $10 million gap — and Hunter could reasonably demand top-tier money at both positions.
“I love being on the football field,” Hunter told CBS Sports. “I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball.”
NFL executives have already begun comparing Hunter’s impact to that of Shohei Ohtani, the baseball star who earned a record-setting $700 million contract for his two-way talents. But Hunter could arguably influence games even more, putting in double the snaps, double the film study, and chasing accolades on both sides of the ball every week — not just every fifth day like a pitcher.
A Unicorn Player for a New NFL Era
Browns GM Andrew Berry summed it up best before the draft: “You, obviously, get a unicorn if you use him both ways.”
That’s exactly what the Jaguars plan to do.
With Hunter’s arrival, Jacksonville isn’t just getting a shutdown corner or a No. 1 receiver. They’re getting both — in the same player. And if all goes as planned, Travis Hunter won’t just change how games are played. He’ll change how greatness is valued and paid for in the NFL.
