Jaguars must take advantage of one overlooked Parker Washington skill

Although Parker Washington flashed early in his stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, it wasn't until 2025 that he broke out, registering 58 receptions for 847 yards with five touchdowns. Along the way, he set himself up to cash in big this year or next.

But as productive as Washington was last year, he could post even better numbers in 2026, as the coaching staff expects him to run more vertical routes. On top of that, there's another part of his game that isn't discussed nearly enough, but the Jags should keep using.

See, dating back to his rookie season, Washington has been a proficient returner, and a local beat reporter just made the case that Jacksonville needs to keep using him in that role next season in spite of his increased workload on offense.

The Jaguars must use Parker Washington on special teams

John Shipley of Sports Illustrated had a mailbag and answered several questions. One had to do with whether he thinks the Jaguars should use Parker Washington as a returner. Here's his response.

"I would have said no a month or two ago, but I do think Washington very well could return the first punt against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 now that we are a bit closer to training camp," Shipley wrote. "Washington is great -- not good -- at returning punts, and it feels like the Jaguars might not be in a rush to give up that edge since they have some receiver depth."

A sixth-round pick in 2023, Washington has gotten the spotlight dating back to his rookie campaign precisely because of his return skills. Just last year, he had a

Here's an electrifying return Washington had against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 preseason.

Here's another one he had against the Houston Texans last year.

That one didn't count, but Washington took another one to the house against the New England Patriots the same year. In all of them, his change of direction and ability to make defenders miss is abundantly clear. Understandably, the coaching staff will want to take advantage of that part of his game. And as Shipley said, it's doable.

Washington could return kickoffs and rest a few series before he gets back on the field. Sure, his inner competitor will want to go back onto the football field, but Jacksonville can afford to have him take a breath because of the depth at receiver.

Let's say Washington takes a series off; the trio of Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter, and Brian Thomas Jr. can hold the fort. Another alternative would be to give rookies CJ Williams and Josh Cameron snaps. Either way, the Jaguars can balance Washington's workload at receiver and special teams.

Parker Washington can ask for a bigger deal if the Jaguars use him as a returner

Parker Washington, for his part, could benefit from an expanded role on special teams if he hasn't gotten an extension by the start of the regular season. Even if he sees a drop-off in targets, he could show his value as a returner and put himself in a position to increase his asking price.

Of course, there's a chance that the Sugar Land, Texas native will have signed an extension by then, but he could use it as leverage if he hasn't. Heck, it's entirely possible that he's brought up his role as a returner in contract talks, and in turn, asked for a bit more money.

Regardless of when the Jaguars extend Parker Washington, using him as a returner is a weapon in his arsenal they must keep using next season.

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