The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially secured the services of highly touted rookie Travis Hunter, signing the dynamic two-way player to his first professional contract. The agreement was finalized on Sunday, June 23, 2025, marking a significant milestone for both Hunter and the Jaguars organization.
Hunter, a reigning Heisman Trophy winner from his standout 2024 college season at Colorado, was the second overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Jaguars made a substantial move to acquire him, trading up from the No. 5 spot in a deal with the Cleveland Browns that included their 2026 first-round pick and a second-round pick in the 2025 draft. This investment underscores the team’s belief that Hunter is the “crown jewel” of their draft class and can be a transformative player.
Contract Details Revealed
The rookie deal is a four-year contract valued at $46.65 million, which is fully guaranteed. A particularly notable aspect of the contract is the $30.57 million signing bonus. Reports indicate the Jaguars paid this entire bonus upfront. This unprecedented structure makes Hunter the first non-quarterback not selected first overall in the draft to receive their full signing bonus at the beginning of the contract, highlighting the magnitude of the team’s commitment.
While the contract signing extended past the team’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp, Hunter had been participating in offseason practices without a signed deal. The formal agreement now eliminates any possibility of a holdout as rookies prepare for training camp, set to begin on July 19.
Two-Way Talent: How Will Hunter Be Used?
Hunter is celebrated for his exceptional skills on both sides of the ball, excelling as both a wide receiver and a cornerback. During his 2024 college season, he posted impressive numbers with 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense, alongside four interceptions and 11 passes defended on defense. Hunter has expressed his passion for playing both ways, stating, “Because I’ve been doing it my whole life, and I love being on the football field. I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball, so I really enjoy doing it.”
The Jaguars appear to embrace this unique versatility. The team announced Hunter’s signing with two separate social media posts – one designating him as a wide receiver and another as a defensive back – signaling their intent to utilize his dual capabilities.
However, the exact distribution of his snaps between offense and defense remains fluid and will likely vary week-to-week based on game plans and opponent matchups. During early offseason programs, Hunter primarily focused on practicing at wide receiver, though he began incorporating cornerback work later. Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone noted that while cornerback might be Hunter’s more natural position, the team is excited about his potential impact on both sides. Coach Liam Coen emphasized the goal is for Hunter to eventually practice on both offense and defense within the same session.
Despite the strategic decisions ahead, Gladstone believes Hunter has the physical capacity, noting he “does not tire.” Ultimately, the team will evaluate his usage game-by-game, prioritizing where he can make the biggest strategic impact for that specific contest.
Impact on the Jaguars
Hunter’s arrival brings significant optimism to Jacksonville. The team has missed the playoffs in the previous two seasons, putting pressure on quarterback Trevor Lawrence, entering his fifth NFL season, to elevate his performance and lead the team back to contention. The addition of an explosive talent like Hunter, particularly at receiver, is expected to provide a major boost to the offense and increase the pressure on Lawrence to deliver.
Hunter is slated to make his NFL debut when the Jaguars open the regular season against the Carolina Panthers on September 7. The team retains a fifth-year option on his contract, which they can decide on in the spring of 2028, allowing them flexibility regarding his future beyond the initial four years.
