Travis Hunter’s Two-Way Ambitions Could Present New Pay Questions

Just one week out from the 2025 NFL Draft, a crucial dilemma around one of this year’s most intriguing prospects—on and off the field—is starting to build momentum. 

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, the two-way star from Colorado, has not been shy about his desire to play both offense and defense full-time in the NFL, like he did in college. Achieving that goal would not only be unprecedented from an X’s and O’s standpoint, but also in terms of what that could mean for Hunter’s wallet long-term.

As the draft approaches, GMs of teams with high picks, where Hunter is likely to be selected, have taken note. 

“I would not be afraid to play him on both sides of the ball,” said Giants GM Joe Schoen, who holds the third overall pick. Schoen, speaking with reporters Wednesday, added that while it would be difficult for Hunter to play both ways full-time, it would also “be hard to keep him off the field.”

On Thursday, Browns GM Andrew Berry compared Travis Hunter to Dodgers phenom Shohei Ohtani. “It’s a little bit like Ohtani,” he said. “You know he’s playing one side, and he’s an outstanding player. If he’s a pitcher or hitter, he’s an outstanding player. You, obviously, get a unicorn if you use him both ways.” Berry reiterated that he views Hunter as a receiver first, but also said “we necessarily wouldn’t put a cap on or govern in terms of what he could do.”

As a top-five pick, Hunter would sign a four-year contract worth between roughly $35 million and $42 million. He would then be eligible for an extension after his third season, when whichever position (or positions) he’s playing will be a major factor in how much he makes from his second contract. Hunter is repped by Lil Wayne’s agency, Young Money APAA Sports.

In 2025, pending any further new deals, the average annual salary of the five highest-paid receivers is set to be $34.85 million, while that figure for defensive backs is $24.82 million, according to Spotrac. It’s clear that being an elite receiver pays better than being a top cornerback—but what would a top-five player at both positions be worth?

Hunter sure seems like he wants to find out. What would he do if a team wouldn’t let him play both ways? “It’s never playing football again,” he told CBS Sports this week. “Because I’ve been doing it my whole life, and I love being on the football field. I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball, so I really enjoy doing it.”

That’s an even stronger sentiment than the one he expressed at the combine, when he said he’d like to play both sides but added “that’s not my job to figure it out.”