It’s win or go home for general manager James Gladstone, who is putting himself in a risky position so early into his new role with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The native of St. Louis who replaced Trent Baalke in the Jags’ front office made a huge statement at the draft by essentially trading this franchise’s future, hoping that Travis Hunter pans out. With great risk comes great reward, and repeating an often-used phrase uttered at every draft time will tell if it pans out.
James Gladstone in the hero or goat role with the Jaguars
Many jokes have been made about Gladstone as a young GM and his ability to excel in his current role. It would also be easy to assume that he’d be more prone to swing for the fences; after all, isn’t that what most young fans want to see out of their team?
However, going big is not always the right decision, but to Gladstone’s credit, he seems to be backing his choices and committing to them. On top of that, it doesn’t feel as though he regrets trading away their first, second, and fourth-round selections in the 2025 draft, plus their first pick next year, to acquire the best two-way player in college football last season, Travis Hunter.
In addition to Hunter, the Jaguars also received a fourth and a sixth-rounder in this year’s draft, taking running back Bhayshul Tuten at No.104 and selecting safety Rayuan Lane III with the 200th choice.
Moving up for Hunter was easily the boldest move made by any team in this year’s draft, though it’s one I’d dare say few rookie general managers would have the guts to do for fear of the repercussions. Gladstone is swinging for the fences and might hit a grand slam with Hunter or strike out and never get another job as a general manager again. That’s how this business goes, as one mistake could be your last.
He’s put himself in the hero and goat role, but not the goat in the new school sense that many youngsters know today. However, if Travis Hunter works out, Gladstone may be on course to be the Greatest. OF.ALL-TIME. (G.O.A.T.) when it comes to Jags GMs.
James Gladstone has a lot to lose in Travis Hunter deal
Getting a Heisman Trophy winner who’s passed every NFL scouting test with flying colours and was a stud at cornerback and wide receiver at Colorado may seem like a no-brainer pick. At the same time, the NFL is a whole other level, and Hunter will have to learn two systems and ensure his body can withstand the physicality of the pros.
NFL analyst Colin Cowherd is among those who felt the Hunter trade was one-sided but not in Jacksonville’s favour:
“Cleveland [Browns] got a haul, I think [the Jaguars paid] way too much for a non-quarterback. The GM for the Jags is a young kid, the adult table being a GM. I don't like the swing," said Cowherd via Sports Illustrated.
Cowherd has a point. It’s a lot to give up, and no one will know if Hunter can truly play both positions at a high level as he did in 2024 with the Buffaloes. There’s a lot riding on this move for the Jaguars franchise, but the one who’s really on the hot seat is the Jaguars young GM. Fair or not, one wrong move can often get you fired as a coach or manager with a pro team.
Gladstone knows this, given that he’s a former high school football coach and has served in senior advisory roles with the Los Angeles Rams. This move will either work out well for Gladstone or potentially be a one-way ticket for him out the door as an NFL GM.
Even though Hunter is a rookie, everyone expects him to be an instant star after what he did in college. If he’s even just above average, it’ll reflect badly on Gladstone, who is, in a way, putting all of his chips down on the 21-year-old from West Palm Beach.
Travis Hunter could be the Jaguars saving grace
Like a businessman making a big investment, there are also great rewards that come with making a bold move. Sometimes, it doesn’t work out, but when it does, the rewards can be endless. For James Gladstone, he’s hitched his wagon to Travis Hunter, who he clearly believes will be one of the guys who can finally lead the Jaguars to the promised land.
He won’t be the only key part of this team’s success, as Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, and Brian Thomas Jr. are also integral pieces, but Gladstone believes Hunter will be the guy to get them over the top. The good news is that Hunter, by all accounts, looks like he’ll be an impact player, and he’ll have some strong personnel around him, primarily on the offensive side of the ball.
That might take some of the pressure off his shoulders and allow him to thrive as many expect he will.
One thing we can say about Gladstone that cannot be said about some of his predecessors, Baalke and David Caldwell, is that Gladstone had the balls to make a move that may take this team to a Super Bowl one day. That seems like a ways away, given the Jags have missed the playoffs in three of Trevor Lawrence’s four seasons behind centre, but Hunter has that kind of potential.
Baalke spent extravagantly on Christian Kirk, Evan Engram, and Zay Jones. All three were solid contributors but not game-changers. Caldwell drafted Jalen Ramsey, who was a difference-maker on defense but not necessarily a player who could turn a franchise around on his own. Ramsey had some spectacular seasons in Duval, but he also had help on the defensive side in the form of A.J. Bouye, Calais Campbell, and Yannick Ngakoue.
Hunter is a game-changer and a guy who can turn this franchise around, and there are pieces on the offensive and defensive side of the ball to help him out. This team has knocked on the door of the Super Bowl before, making it to three AFC Championship Games.
Thanks to Gladstone’s big move, Hunter’s presence might finally get this franchise to that spot.
If Travis Hunter works out, Gladstone will be the toast of Jacksonville, and Hunter will be his saving grace. As the saying goes, no guts, no glory.