Even though cornerback appeared to be a weakness for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the offseason, they didn't go out of their way to revamp the position. Looking back, it's easy to see why. For one, Travis Hunter will play defense full-time next season. On top of that, Montaric Brown signed a three-year deal worth $31.5 million to stay in Duval. If that wasn't enough, veteran Jourdan Lewis is back in the fold after suffering a foot injury late in 2025 that brought his first season with the Jags to an end.
Lewis was arguably the team's best cornerback last year, not just on the field but off of it as well. Heck, Jacskonville missed the former Michigan Wolverine in the playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, and there's a chance the outcome might have changed if he had suited up.
While Lewis' return isn't getting nearly as much attention as it deserves, it cannot be understated just how much of an impact he will have next season. Head coach Liam Coen knows.
The Jaguars will be thrilled to have Jourdan Lewis back
Liam Coen met with the local media after Day 5 of training camp. He said it's easy to see when Jourdan Lewis is on the field, noting that his toughness and ability to get everyone lined up stand out.
"I think we all notice when Jay Lew's out there in terms of like just the communication, the confidence, his ability to get everybody on the same page," Coen told reporters (9:35 mark). "He's feisty. He brings a mentality and toughness. He had a rep the other day in the run game where a tight end was trying to block him. I forget which one, and you know he locked, shed, made the play, and he just brings a mentality and toughness to our defense.
A third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2017, Lewis signed a three-year deal with the Jags last year. He got off to a hot start to his stint in Jacksonville, registering two interceptions and six passes defensed in his first three games. The Detroit, Michigan native didn't make nearly as many plays down the stretch but was equally efficient. Moreover, he quelled concerns about his ability to play outside.
This was noteworthy because Lewis mostly lined up at nickel with the Cowboys, but the Jags needed help in the boundaries. He quickly proved that he could excel at both spots.
Jourdan Lewis willl make an impact for the Jaguars regardless of his role
Although Jourdan Lewis missed the offseason program, he has put together several strong outings since joining the Jaguars in training camp. He should get his job back next season, but the Jacksonville cornerback room is so crowded that he could have a reduced role.
Montaric Brown and Travis Hunter will tentatively start in the boundaries, while Jarrian Jones keeps getting better and could see an increased role in the slot. Lewis could split snaps with Jones and sub in for Hunter outside if he needs to catch a break from playing two ways.
But regardless of the amount of snaps Jourdan Lewis gets next season, he will remain an important presence in the secondary. After all, his leadership skills will give the unit a boost, and if he manages to stay healthy in 2026, perhaps the Jaguars can get over the bump next season.
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