Jaguars' Travis Hunter Nets Record $30.5M Signing Bonus as Two-Way Star

Travis Hunter signs a historic $46.6M contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, aiming for dual roles as receiver and cornerback.
Travis Hunter signs a historic $46.6M contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, aiming for dual roles as receiver and cornerback. (Symbolbild/MF)

Jacksonville, USA - Travis Hunter’s recent signing has sent waves of excitement through the Jacksonville Jaguars camp and among fans. The young talent, who dazzled as a two-way star at Colorado, is set to play both wide receiver and cornerback in a journey reminiscent of legends like Chuck Bednarik. On June 10, Jaguars head coach Liam Coen praised Hunter’s impressive work ethic and endurance, setting the stage for a highly anticipated NFL career.

Hunter was selected as the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he’s just inked a four-year rookie contract worth $46,649,126, which is fully guaranteed. Included in this lucrative deal is a whopping $30,556,636 signing bonus paid upfront, making it the largest signing bonus awarded to a second-overall pick, eclipsing last year’s $24.3 million bonus for Jayden Daniels. As reported by Jacksonville.com, such lump-sum bonuses are more typical for top quarterbacks but are notably rare for defensive players.

Hunter’s Impact on the Team

The Jaguars, making a strategic move, traded up from the fifth pick to secure Hunter, giving away multiple draft picks in the process. General manager James Gladstone made it clear that the team’s plan is for Hunter to embrace the dual-role strategy, focusing on the offensive playbook initially. With the NFL training camps kicking off on July 19, it’s essential for Hunter to quickly adapt, as all eyes are on him leading up to the Jaguars‘ season opener against the Carolina Panthers on September 7.

Last season, Hunter excelled at Colorado, tallying 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns while also contributing defensively with 35 tackles and four interceptions. His remarkable performance not only showcased his versatility but also earned him the prestigious Heisman Trophy. As emphasized by The New York Times, Hunter’s ability to play effectively in two positions adds a unique dynamic to the Jaguars‘ gameplay.

Contract Details & Future Directions

The Jaguars have established Hunter’s contract cap hits as follows:

Year Cap Hit
2025 $8,481,659
2026 $10,602,074
2027 $12,722,489
2028 $14,842,904

The significance of Hunter’s deal resonates not just because of the figures involved but also due to its rarity for players drafted so high who plan to juggle multiple positions. As highlighted by Pro Football Network, many first-round rookies are beginning to sign contracts as training camps approach, but Hunter stands out with a contract that not only emphasizes his talent but the Jaguars‘ commitment to nurturing that talent across positions.

With all thought and attention currently on Hunter, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will perform both at wide receiver and cornerback. The upcoming season looks promising, and one can only hope that Hunter’s ambitious goals will translate into on-field success as he embarks on this new chapter with the Jaguars.

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