The NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe is reporting that the Jacksonville Jaguars’ plan in 2026 is for Travis Hunter to play a lot more cornerback.
So what does that mean for the rest of the cornerback position group heading into free agency?
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Along with Hunter, the Jaguars still have Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones under contract, but Montaric Brown and Greg Newsome are set to be free agents.
According to Wolfe, it’s expected that at least one of Brown and/or Newsome won’t return.
“They also have Montaric Brown and Greg Newsome, cornerbacks about to be free agents; they’re expected to let at least one of those cornerbacks walk in free agency so Travis Hunter can have that starting spot there.”
If the Jaguars are choosing between Brown and Newsome, contract values will play a factor, but the decision seems pretty straightforward — Brown was quite good last season.
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Brown took a big step forward last season, showcasing his abilities to start on a weekly basis and perform at a high level while doing so.
Brown allowed a completion rate of just 54% on 68 targets and held opponents to just 10.4 yards per catch. He also came away with two interceptions and forced nine pass breakups.
Newsome, meanwhile, was acquired mid-season in a trade and had the difficult task of learning a new defensive system on the fly.
He joined the Jaguars with very good ball production in his career and as someone who was thought to fit well with Anthony Campanile’s zone-heavy defense. However, Newsome’s play was up-and-down.
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Newsome allowed a completion rate of almost 70% with the Jaguars and 11.7 yards per catch. He had just one pass breakup and one interception.
Beyond free agency, the Jaguars also have 11 draft picks, including four in the top 100, to address the cornerback position. One NFL draft analyst recently highlighted the Day 2 talent that this draft class has at the cornerback position.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars free agency: Insider on plan with Montaric Brown, Greg Newsome