The deal makes Travis Hunter one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the league — and it marks the latest in a string of bold moves by the Jacksonville Jaguars front office this season. Before Hunter’s record-setting extension, the Jaguars locked in running back Ashton Jeanty, a surprise signing that raised eyebrows across the NFL. Many thought Jeanty might be the “odd man out,” but Jacksonville clearly has other plans.
Players the Jaguars have extended recently:
🏈 QB Trevor Lawrence ($265M)
🏈 RB Ashton Jeanty ($72M)
🏈 WR Christian Kirk ($102M)
🏈 LT Cam Robinson ($85M)
🏈 Edge Josh Allen ($160M)
🏈 CB Travis Hunter ($175M)
🏈 S Andre Cisco ($89M)
Now, the pressure may shift toward tight end Evan Engram, who could become the next contract casualty. Tight ends aren’t typically treated as premium assets compared to pass rushers or cornerbacks, and Jacksonville’s cap space is tightening fast. With the team prioritizing defensive youth like Devin Lloyd and Tyson Campbell, Engram’s future might depend on a hometown discount.
That said, Engram remains elite — too good to lose. If the Jaguars can make room, they should do everything possible to keep him long-term. His chemistry with Lawrence and his ability to open up the middle of the field have been key to Jacksonville’s offensive success.
How Much Could Engram Get Paid?
Tight ends rarely crack the financial tier of top wide receivers, but the market is shifting. San Francisco’s George Kittle currently leads the position with a four-year, $76.4 million contract, narrowly edging Arizona’s Trey McBride, who signed a similar deal weeks earlier.
Engram can’t sign an extension until after this season, but if his current form holds, he could easily surpass the $80 million mark — especially if Hunter’s mega-deal raises the bar for Jacksonville’s offensive playmakers.
Why Hunter’s Deal Changes Everything
Travis Hunter’s $175 million contract — the highest ever for a rookie cornerback — signals a new era for the Jaguars. The team clearly sees Hunter as a franchise cornerstone, both on defense and as a two-way weapon capable of changing games.
“He’s not just a corner. He’s an energy,” said head coach Doug Pederson. “He changes how teams prepare for us.”
Sources say Hunter’s extension is heavily guaranteed, placing him among the top five highest-paid defenders in football. Combined with Josh Allen’s deal and Jeanty’s contract, Jacksonville’s front office is betting big on its young core.
The Case for Ashton Jeanty
Jeanty’s inclusion in this spending spree might surprise some, but it makes sense. The former Boise State standout has become the spark plug of Jacksonville’s backfield — a powerful runner with elite versatility. Jeanty’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield gives the Jaguars an offensive weapon who fits perfectly alongside Lawrence and Kirk.
His $72 million deal is viewed internally as a “culture contract” — rewarding not just production, but professionalism.
“Ashton shows up early, works late, and makes everyone around him better,” said GM Trent Baalke. “That’s the kind of player you pay.”
Cap Crunch Looming
With Hunter, Allen, and Jeanty now locked in, Jacksonville’s salary cap flexibility is vanishing fast. The front office will have to make tough decisions about veterans like Brandon Scherff and Evan Engram, as well as rising defensive stars nearing new contracts.
Insiders believe Tyson Campbell and Andre Cisco will be next in line for extensions, while linebacker Devin Lloyd could command top-dollar money if he continues his breakout season.
A Franchise Investing in the Future
What’s clear is that Jacksonville isn’t shying away from paying to keep its stars home. For years, the Jaguars were known as a team that couldn’t retain talent. Now, they’re proving they can — and will.
The message is simple: Duval builds, not borrows.
Travis Hunter’s emotional statement after signing his deal captured that perfectly:
“This isn’t just my story — it’s our story. A team, a city, and a legacy built in Duval. Jacksonville made me who I am, and I’ll wear teal and black with pride. This one’s for the fans who never gave up.”
With Hunter and Jeanty locked in for the long haul, the Jaguars are sending a clear signal to the NFL: the new dynasty in the AFC South might just be taking shape — right in Jacksonville.
