Can the Jaguars Third-Year Cornerback Have an Increased Role in 2026?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have had their fair share of recent history regarding the cornerback position. Back during their run that resulted in a 2017 AFC Championship Game appearance, Duval County had a young superstar in the secondary. That leader was a youthful Jalen Ramsey, whose electric demeanor would become the face of the Jaguars during the late 2010s. However, the Tennessee native would have his reign cut short in Jacksonville when he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams during the 2019 season. As we get closer to the 2026 campaign, one thing is clear at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars once again have a promising secondary unit, including a loaded cornerback room, although the team currently lacks the leadership that their successful defenses have had in the past. However, that could all change this fall as their third-year cornerback from the 2024 NFL Draft continues to evolve.

That player would be Mississippi native Jarrian Jones. Drafted in the third round back in 2024, the 25-year-old has continued to improve each season. Last season, he racked up a career high with three interceptions and had eight pass deflections for the second consecutive season. Overall, Jones has appeared in all 34 games in his NFL career, totaling 89 tackles, two sacks, four interceptions, and 16 pass deflections. The importance of his role increased drastically in 2025 after rookie phenom Travis Hunter suffered a season-ending injury in practice. That paired Jones up with veteran Montaric Brown, making them one of the more dangerous duos in all of the NFL.

Now entering 2026, Jones has the chance to continue developing that playmaking ability in a starting role, as Hunter’s role on the defense is still uncertain. Despite entering only his third season as a Jaguar, Jones has become crucial to a growing defensive presence taking over Duval County. The team needs a competent defense to win football games, and Jones has proven that he can take over a game when necessary to bring the team closer to their goal of winning a Super Bowl. The former Seminole will likely share the starting cornerback position with Brown once again, who has also blossomed into one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Jones can learn a vast amount from his partner in the secondary, making his potential one of the highest on the Jaguars. Time will tell whether Jones will be up for the challenge of an increased role, but recent history has proved that young cornerbacks run the city of Jacksonville.