The Jacksonville Jaguars made a strategic move just ahead of the NFL’s 6 p.m. ET roster cut deadline, trading tight end Hunter Long to the Arizona Cardinals. This trade follows extensive reporting by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, confirming that the Jaguars are restructuring their roster as they head into the 2026 season.
Hunter Long's Journey in the NFL
Hunter Long, a 28-year-old tight end, was originally selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Since then, he has traversed various teams, including stints with the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Rams, before landing in Jacksonville. Throughout his first four seasons in the league, Long struggled to make a significant impact, recording only eight total receptions. Nevertheless, his performance saw a modest increase during the 2025 season in Jacksonville, where he caught 12 passes for 85 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Transition to Arizona
Long now finds himself with the Arizona Cardinals, a team looking to bolster its tight end depth behind one of the league's elite players, Trey McBride. McBride, a back-to-back Pro Bowler, has established himself as a premier target for quarterbacks and a focal point for opposing defenses. His presence could potentially open up opportunities for Long, especially in two-tight-end sets, allowing him to showcase his skills in a supportive environment.
The Jaguars' Roster Strategy
For the Jaguars, moving on from Long was a calculated decision. With Brenton Strange already established as the starting tight end and the team adding both Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol in the 2026 NFL draft, Long's chances of securing a significant role in Jacksonville appeared slim. The organization appears committed to evaluating its younger talent, which made Long expendable as they sought to optimize their roster prior to the cut deadline.
Implications of the Trade
This trade benefits both teams. For the Jaguars, it allows them to free up roster space and invest in their younger players while also gaining something in return for Long rather than simply releasing him. For the Cardinals, acquiring a player who has had a mixed start to his career brings potential upside as they aim to enhance their offensive strategies. If Long can adjust well to his new surroundings and capitalize on the chances created by McBride’s high-profile role, he may finally find a way to carve out a more prominent place in the league.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 season is gearing up to be a critical one for both the Jaguars and the Cardinals. The Jaguars, under new direction, are looking to build on their potential, while the Cardinals hope to harness Long’s talents to boost their offensive game. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how both teams utilize their respective tight ends, with Long looking to reverse his fortunes and contribute meaningfully in Arizona.
In summary, the trade of Hunter Long reflects the Jacksonville Jaguars' broader strategy as they shape their team leading into the new season. Long will now have the chance to revitalize his career with the Arizona Cardinals, potentially filling an important role behind one of the league’s top tight ends.
