ESPN’s Seth Walder just dropped a bombshell prediction for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it’s aimed squarely at cornerback Montaric Brown, suggesting a big step back after his breakout 2025 season. This isn’t just some casual take either; it flies directly in the face of the three-year, $31.8 million deal the Jaguars just handed Brown this offseason. Talk about immediate pressure!
The Numbers From a “Breakout” Year
Last season, Brown truly looked like the real deal for the Jaguars. We’re talking sticky coverage, folks. Opposing quarterbacks threw his way 63 times, and he only allowed a 54% completion rate. That’s lockdown stuff! He also showed real playmaking ability, snagging two interceptions and batting away nine passes. Walder himself noted Brown’s incredible efficiency, allowing just 0.8 yards per coverage snap. That’s elite production, and it’s why the team opened up the checkbook.
Why the Wheels Might Come Off in 2026
But here’s where Walder’s bold prediction hits hard. He doesn’t think Brown can sustain that level of play. In fact, Walder is calling for a “worse-than-average yards allowed per coverage snap,” specifically predicting Brown will jump to 1.1 yards per snap according to Next Gen Stats. His reasoning? Walder believes Brown’s stellar 2025 was “fueled by a negative-5% completion percentage over expected,” calling it an “outlier.” Essentially, Walder thinks Brown got a bit lucky last year, and the numbers are going to normalize, hard. Add to that, if Travis Hunter steps up at cornerback like the Jaguars hope, opposing QBs might start looking Brown’s way even *more* often, potentially exposing any dip in his game.
This prediction is a massive swing against a player who just secured his financial future. The Jaguars bet big on Montaric Brown, and now the question is whether that bet pays off or if Walder’s crystal ball is accurate. The 2026 season is here, and every snap for Brown just got a whole lot more interesting for the Jaguars and their fans.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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