Jacksonville Jaguars News

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown worked with the starters during offseason workouts and consistently made plays during spring practices, including two end-zone pass breakups in red-zone drills in minicamp. ESPN's Michael DiRocco writes that he has the advantage heading into training camp as a starter opposite Tyson Campbell. Second-year corner Jarrian Jones played well at nickel late in his rookie season, but he's still learning the zone scheme, which is expected to be a staple of defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's scheme. In addition to Jones needing plenty of schooling on the zone scheme, the Jaguars are still working through how many defensive snaps per game they'll be able to get out of rookie first-rounder Travis Hunter. Brown, 25, is also coming off a career year in 2024 in which he had 75 tackles (55 solo), six tackles for loss, an interception and eight pass breakups in 17 games.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen Jr. landed in a crowded backfield after being selected by the team in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Syracuse. The Jags also selected Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten and already have Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby on the roster. Conventional wisdom would suggest Allen will face an uphill battle to make the roster, but team reporter John Shipley said he could have an early role in the offense. "Both Tuten and Allen make sense as potential fill ins on third downs thanks both to their abilities as pass-catchers out of the backfield and the success each had pass-blocking in college," Shipley wrote. "Allen might be the most versatile receiver of the duo, which could lead to a key role early on." Most teams do not carry four running backs on gameday, so if Allen does make the roster, it could point toward the organization shipping one of the veteran ball carriers. It's still early in the offseason, and training camp will give fantasy managers a better idea of how rosters will shake up, but the buzz around Allen puts him higher on the fantasy football radar. Allen caught 119 passes in three collegiate seasons, including 64 in 2024.

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten was one of the fastest players in the 2025 NFL draft and ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, which was the fastest among RBs. Tuten has often been compared to Miami's De'Von Achane for his home run ability. However, he's on the small side at 5-foot-9 and 209 pounds, and head coach Liam Coen said that Tuten needs to improve in pass protection as he heads into his first year in the NFL. Barring a significant change in training camp and the preseason, Travis Etienne Jr. is expected to remain the team's starting back. The 23-year-old had 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns in 183 rushing yards last year at Virginia Tech. He's raw and needs to improve his ball security and pass protection, but his elite speed could get him on the field sooner than later in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Jaguars players and coaches have been impressed by rookie first-round wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter's endless motor, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence saying he can run all day. Hunter's ball skills and football IQ have also stood out during offseason workouts, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco. The second overall pick in this year's NFL draft catches the ball easily and has shown good body control when he's had to go up for an errant pass. Jacksonville has mostly had the former Colorado star focus on offense, but his defensive coaches like his retention level despite spending more time on the offensive side of the ball so far. Hunter is an elite athlete and should be the Jags' No. 2 receiver sooner than later, but fantasy managers should be careful not to overspend for a player that will be playing both sides of the ball.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to terms with rookie fourth-round running back Bhayshul Tuten on a four-year contract. The financial terms were not divulged. The Virginia Tech product is a bit undersized (5-foot-9), but exhibits tantalizing athletic ability and could push for a significant role in Jacksonville's offense this season. It won't be easy, with returning backfield mates Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne in the fold. Still, neither really separated himself from the other over a disappointing 2024 for the organization. Furthermore, Tuten is far and away the most explosive back of the trio and offers a three-down skill set. Playing time could be sparse early on, but if the rookie adjusts to the league quickly, he could hold some sleeper appeal in what projects to be an exciting offense.

Jacksonville Jaguars two-way star Travis Hunter signed his four-year, $46.65 million contract on Sunday. The deal also includes a hefty $30.57 million signing bonus. The 2025 No. 2 overall pick had plenty of hype entering the NFL Draft after a successful tenure at the collegiate level. However, despite high expectations, it may take Hunter some time to get acclimated to how things operate under new head coach Liam Coen. As a result, he may spend more time on the defensive side of the ball throughout his rookie year. While that doesn't necessarily mean Hunter won't get work on the offensive end, it could take him longer than anticipated before he becomes a trustworthy fantasy performer. That should lower his redraft value heading into the 2025-26 campaign. On the other hand, Hunter is worth drafting early in rookie drafts, at least by the fantasy managers willing to be patient.

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie two-way star Travis Hunter, who was taken second overall in this year's NFL draft, has impressed the coaching staff during offseason workouts. However, he might be more comfortable on the defensive side of the ball in his first year in the league. It makes sense as to why the Jaguars focused on getting Hunter more reps on the offensive side early on. "This is not an offense specifically that you just go out, line up and play," said head coach Liam Coen. "Our understanding that Travis is most naturally comfortable, most naturally in tune on the defensive side of the ball, we wanted to load him up offensively throughout this window to ensure that by the time we got to training camp, we had a runway built up on that side because there's so much more nuance." The Jags plan to play Hunter on both sides of the ball his rookie season, which will probably hurt his fantasy ceiling as a pure wideout. Don't reach for Hunter on draft day in redraft leagues.

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said on Sirius XM NFL Radio that the team believes that rookie first-round wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter has the ability to play on both sides of the ball for entire games in the NFL. "He does not tire," Gladstone said. "He's got a spark, he's got the energy, the capacity from a physical standpoint to be able to be able to do it is certainly there." Jacksonville hasn't exactly determined the exact number of offensive or defensive snaps per game that they are expecting Hunter to play in his rookie season, but they are confident he can handle whatever they ask of him. Early on, the second overall pick out of Colorado has spent more time on offense learning the system, but when the time comes, he's expected to have a bigger role on defense. Hunter has elite athleticism and should quickly become the WR2 behind Brian Thomas Jr.

SI.com's John Shipley guesses that Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. opens the year as the team's lead back. However, Shipley also writes that Etienne, Tank Bigsby and rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen will get some run at some point. Under a new coaching staff, many believed that Etienne's stock would continue to fall after another disappointing showing in 2024, when he had career-lows across the board in carries (150), rushing yards (558) and touchdowns (two) while catching 39 of 52 targets for 254 yards through the air in 15 starts. That could still be the case, especially since the former first-rounder now has to fight off a pair of rookies in addition to Bigsby. Etienne has fallen all the way to No. 35 in RotoBaller's preseason rankings for 2025, but he still has a chance to prove himself in a new offense as the RB1.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder) went down with a shoulder injury earlier this week at mandatory minicamp and was held out of the rest of the practice for precautionary reasons. On Thursday, Thomas returned and looked perfectly OK while being a full participant, according to SI.com's John Shipley. The 22-year-old second-year wideout will be just fine for the start of training camp in late July and should be considered a strong low-end WR1 with plenty of upside going into Year 2. The former 23rd overall pick was a Pro Bowler in his rookie campaign after catching 87 of 133 targets for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts). Thomas shouldn't have anything to worry about as far as being quarterback Travis Lawrence's top target after the team took two-way player Travis Hunter with the second overall pick.

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie first-round wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter played both offense and defense in the same day in front of the media on Thursday in the team's final day of mandatory minicamp, according to SI.com's John Shipley. It's a preview of what's to come in training camp this summer, and Shipley writes that Hunter seems to be handling the weight of the role well so far. The 22-year-old second overall pick started focusing on offense first early this offseason, but the Jags plan on using him on both sides of the ball in his rookie year in 2025. The Heisman Trophy winner is an elite athlete and should be Jacksonville's No. 2 wideout behind Brian Thomas Jr. right away, but it's unclear exactly how often he'll be targeted and how many snaps a game he'll be involved on offense. The upside is intriguing, but fantasy managers should consider him a WR4/flex, at best.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen reports that wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder) is ok after leaving Wednesday's minicamp session with a shoulder injury. "He's fine. He absolutely could've gone back and played just bruised it a little bit," said Coen. He also noted that the 22-year-old was removed for precautionary reasons and was "completely cleared to play." Jacksonville can breathe a sigh of relief that their young, stud wideout avoided significant injury. It's still something to monitor, but it fortunately doesn't sound too serious. Barring health, Thomas Jr. is in an excellent position to build off a sensational rookie season that saw him produce a WR4 finish in PPR formats. Jacksonville's addition of Travis Hunter will dent his overall target upside, but shouldn't affect his production too much. The LSU product is a strong pick at the 1/2 turn in drafts.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said that quarterback Trevor Lawrence (arm) was in a sleeve during mandatory minicamp on Tuesday due to "general soreness." Lawrence is wearing a sleeve on his right throwing arm. Lawrence's right arm is a bit sore after throwing a lot during OTAs, and Coen added that the former first-rounder feels good. The 25-year-old had surgery in December for an AC joint sprain in his left, non-throwing shoulder, but that shouldn't be an issue come the start of the regular season this fall. Lawrence is learning a new offense under Coen this offseason while working with rookie wideout Travis Hunter and offseason acquisition Dyami Brown, in addition to second-year pass-catcher Brian Thomas Jr. The Clemson product has enough weapons to rebound and be more efficient under Coen after an injury-plagued season in 2024. Draft Lawrence as a low-end QB2 with upside in fantasy.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has been impressed with quarterback Trevor Lawrence as he learns a new offense during voluntary organized team activities this spring. "Is he operating the offense at a high level?" Coen asked. "Yes, he is right now." The new head coach has stressed footwork for the former first overall pick, and he has seen improvement from Lawrence in that area as well. 2024 was a disappointment for Lawrence due to injuries and poor performance, as he completed just 60.6% of his passes for 2,045 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 10 games. His fantasy stock is obviously way down going into 2025, but Lawrence should be more efficient with Coen in town and after the team added two-way star Travis Hunter with the second overall pick in the draft. Still, nobody should be considering Lawrence a QB1 in fantasy.

Per the team, the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot to an undisclosed contract. The eight-year pro spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Jaguars before a one-year stint with the Buffalo Bills in 2024. He played in 11 games last season, notching 16 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two fumbles forced while participating on 29.17% of the Bills' defensive snaps. Jacksonville's defense was a middle-of-the-road unit a year ago, and Smoot projects to play a decent amount of snaps for the team, considering their lack of depth on the defensive front. He's currently listed second on the Jaguars' unofficial depth chart behind fellow edge rusher Travon Walker.

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed free-agent wide receiver Trenton Irwin to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday, according to KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson. Irwin will head to the AFC South after spending the first six seasons of his NFL career playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. The 29-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Stanford debuted in 2019 and has a total of 46 catches for 601 yards and five touchdowns on 72 targets in 41 games (nine starts) over his six seasons. In seven games (two starts) in his final season in Cincy, he had three receptions for 15 yards. Irwin won't be guaranteed a 53-man roster spot heading into the 2025 regular season and therefore must impress the coaching staff during training camp and the preseason. He'll be competing for a depth role behind Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown, and rookie first-rounder Travis Hunter.

The Jacksonville Jaguars released running back Keilan Robinson on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. Robinson was a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Texas and played in six games during his rookie season. He did not log a touch on offense, but he returned two kickoffs for 34 total yards. With Tank Bigsby, Travis Etienne Jr., and rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen on the roster, he became expendable to the new front offense. Robinson logged just 156 total touches from scrimmage in college and hasn't proven anything yet in his short NFL career. He's likely a safe drop candidate in dynasty formats, and it would be a surprise if he's on the fantasy football radar in 2025 if he's picked up by a new team.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are signing former Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Dennis Gardeck, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The 30-year-old signed with Arizona as an undrafted free agent out of Sioux Falls in 2018 and has spent his entire seven-year career with the organization. Overall, Gardeck has tallied 156 tackles (117 solo), 17 sacks, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions in 96 career games. He was limited to just seven contests in 2024 due to a significant knee injury. Given Jacksonville's defensive struggles last season, he could find his way onto the field as a rotational linebacker.

With trade speculation surrounding Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. this offseason, new head coach Liam Coen had nothing but positive things to say about the 26-year-old former first-rounder. When asked about Etienne's performance at OTAs this offseason, Coen said "(Travis) has done everything we've asked him to do and more... I don't understand some of the stuff I've seen out there, that's absolutely inaccurate." The Jags took rookie Bayshul Tuten in the fourth round of April's NFL draft, and then a report surfaced in May that the team wasn't very high on Etienne, which in turn led to trade rumors. Etienne had a second straight down year in 2025, carrying the ball 150 times for 558 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games. Even if he sticks around in Jacksonville, Etienne's fantasy stock is down, and he could lose more work to Tuten and Tank Bigsby.

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie first-round wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter was out on the field with the defense last week, per head coach Liam Coen, and he's been learning a bunch both on offense and defense during offseason workouts. The Jaguars aren't putting Hunter on both offense and defense on the same day, although he does still meet with the defense on days that he practices with the offense. Per The Coachspeak Index, it sounds like Hunter's defensive snaps early in his rookie year will be more of the third-down/high-leverage variety. The 22-year-old second overall pick in this year's NFL draft is an elite athlete, but it's hard to gauge his fantasy value in Year 1 as he looks to play both sides of the ball. The good news is that the Jaguars appear to be planning on making him more of a focal point on offense early in his NFL career than on defense.