Sportsnaut
The Jacksonville Jaguars just selected wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. A year later, the 23-year-old is drawing criticism for a lack of effort and several dropped passes. His production has also trailed off, having gone from averaging 75.4 yards per game as a rookie to just 52.1 this season.
The Jaguars started hot in Liam Coen’s first season as head coach, but their 4-1 start looks much different after falling to 4-3 following consecutive losses.
Now, with the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline rapidly approaching, some were wondering if the Jaguars would try to find a change of scenery for Thomas, considering his production has dwindled under the new regime. However, teams hoping to land the talented 6-foot-2 receiver will have to hold their breath, because he’s not going anywhere.
According to the Jaguars’ head coach, the franchise has “no plans on moving Brian Thomas Jr. at all.”
Most teams wouldn’t even address such rumors. Yet, perhaps Coen felt he had to address what felt like an elephant in the room after he admitted seeing/hearing Jaguars trade rumors suggesting BTJ’s time in Duval could be a short one.
But it makes no sense to trade Thomas, who’s emerged as the No. 1 receiver in Jacksonville. After all, the 23-year-old is still under contract for two more seasons, and Jacksonville can extend his rookie contract to five years, if they please.
Travis Hunter hasn’t looked like a No. 1 wideout yet, and he may never get there. Yet, if the Jaguars can get both of their top receivers playing their best, who knows what this offense is capable of? It may not all come together this season, but a future with Thomas and Hunter split out wide sounds quite dangerous.
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