Parker

Washington

NFL reporters and commentators who have suggested the Jaguars will shift Hunter to play mostly cornerback in 2026 and beyond are “completely misrepresenting” comments made by general manager James Gladstone and other front office officials, Shipley said. A lack of “media literacy,” Shipley said, has led league observers to incorrectly believe Hunter’s time as a full-time wideout are over. “At zero point have the Jaguars ever once indicated he will not play both ways, just as he did last year,” Shipley said, adding that head coach Liam Coen has “embraced the disrespect” of reporters who intentionally misinterpret what Jacksonville’s front office says. “He will just play more cornerback.” Hunter in 2025 averaged four receptions and 42 yards per game before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 7. Hunter’s offseason and preseason usage could provide some clues as to how he will be deployed in 2026. Those discounting his role as an every-down receiver may be proven wrong if Shipley is right.

It was pointed out by John Shipley a few days ago that Wan’Dale Robinson’s free agent contract might be a starting point for the Washington extension. Walker is entering his final season under his rookie contract’s fifth-year option. Strange and Washington are both on the final year of their rookie contracts. The Jaguars have been uncharacteristically (and probably smartly, given their success last year) quiet in free agency, so perhaps they’re just focusing on locking up their core.

Robinson signed a four-year, $78 million contract in free agency. Washington is a free agent next year. Robinson’s career average receiving totals handily best Washington’s, but Shipley believes Washington has the potential to “blow Robinson’s resumé out of the water with a solid season.” Robinson cleared 130 targets and 90 receptions in consecutive seasons and totaled 1,014 yards and four touchdowns last year. Washington caught 58-of-88 targets for 847 yards and five touchdowns last year. It is his first time clearing 390 yards. That said, Washington broke out in 2025 and operated as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. At least one beat reporter believes he can carry his 2025 momentum into 2026. The Jaguars’ receiving corps pecking order is worth tracking this offseason.

Washington had been pulling away as the Jags’ No. 1 receiver leading into the postseason. He may now carry that status into 2026 after more than doubling up the team’s No. 2 wideout by targets in this game. That was despite missing some time for a concussion evaluation. Including the postseason, Washington topped 100 yards in three of his final four games. He was barely involved in the offense early in the season, but injuries to several key players, namely Travis Hunter, elevated him to a starting role. Washington never looked back and finished the season with 847 yards and five touchdowns on 58 grabs. With Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., and Jakobi Meyers all under contract for multiple years, it’s unclear how things will shake out for the receiver room in 2026. This will be one of the most debated situations for 2026 fantasy drafts.

Washington left for the locker room in the first quarter to be evaluated for a concussion. He missed multiple drives but did eventually return in the second half. Brian Thomas Jr. caught a short touchdown pass in his absence.

Washington left the game in the first quarter for the concussion evaluation. He was quickly taken to the locker room after getting shaken up. Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. would be asked to step up if Washington cannot return.

The highlight was a downfield catch where he noticed a Colts defender overpursuing on the third level, reversed field, and almost found the end zone. He out-targeted all other Jags receivers in the red zone with two, catching one of the balls for two yards. Washington feels like he’s operating at a WR2 level heading into Week 18’s game against the Titans. The Jaguars can clinch the AFC South with a win, so we expect another real chance at a 100-yard game.

It was easily a career mark for Washington, who had five catches in just one game since the start of November before Sunday’s explosion against an elite Denver defense. Washington’s biggest play of the day came on an impressive 63-yard catch and run that gave Jacksonville one of their six red zone possessions on the day. Washington, getting open time and again and showing chemistry with Trevor Lawrence, dominated with a team-leading 147 air yards. He ran a route on 32 of the Jaguars’ 47 drop backs. Washington will be a usable flex option in Week 17 against the Colts.

Back after a one-game absence with a hip injury, Washington was third in Jags wide receiver yards after Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. That is going to be the case more weeks than not, though Washington also dents Meyers and BTJ’s upside. Despite his real life value in this ascending offense, Washington won’t be pushing for WR4 value for the final few weeks of the fantasy playoffs.

Washington upgraded to full participation on Friday, but remains questionable to play. That is unfortunate. Regardless of whether Washington plays, WR Jakobi Meyers will likely continue operating as the team’s top target earner. Washington would be a volatile FLEX option if he is active.