After Jaguars Trade Up For Travis Hunter, Team Hopes Two-Way Star Can ‘Alter The Trajectory Of The Sport’

The Jacksonville Jaguars called the Cleveland Browns about a trade weeks ago, hoping for a miracle in the runup to the 2025 NFL Draft. Their long-shot wish was granted. Travis Hunter, a college superstar at both cornerback and wide receiver, is now a Jaguar.

The Jaguars initially had the No. 5 pick in the Draft, while the Browns had the No. 2 pick. They swapped, with a second-round and fourth-round pick, along with a 2026 first-rounder, going to Cleveland. Cleveland gave up a fourth-round and sixth-round pick. It was a pricey trade for the Jaguars, but, as general manager James Gladstone said, Jacksonville was happy with the way things unfolded.

Hunter won the Heisman Trophy this past season, along with the Biletnikoff (as the best college wide receiver) and the Bednarik (as the best college defender). He was the cornerstone of a team that went from a one-win season to nine wins this past year.

“He’s somebody who is deserving of a first-round draft pick as a wide receiver, and he is worthy of a first-round draft pick as a corner,” Gladstone said. “Certainly look forward to each of those elements showing themselves over the next few years while he’s under his rookie contract. But yeah, we’re excited about just getting him in the boat, so to speak.”

While some analysts have expressed concern about Hunter’s physical ability to continue playing both positions in the NFL, Hunter has said that he would like to continue as a two-way player. Luckily for him, the Jaguars have committed to doing just that – Hunter said that he was in contact with Jacksonville’s offensive and defensive coordinators by the end of Draft day.

Hunter, paired with wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., should also make quarterback Trevor Lawrence‘s life easier. Lawrence has struggled with consistency and injury for the past few seasons – as, frankly, has the whole team, and Hunter has the potential to be a linchpin to turn the franchise around.

“You can count however many drafts you want to [and] there are players who have the capacity to alter a game. There are players who have the capacity to alter the trajectory of a team. There are very few players who have the capacity to alter the trajectory of the sport itself,” Gladstone said, discussing the price of the Cleveland trade.

“Travis, while he has a lot to still learn in our eyes, has the potential to do just that.”