Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has firmly stated that the team does not plan to trade wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. His comments came in response to speculation following a report from Dianna Russini of The Athletic, which suggested that the Jaguars were open to trade inquiries but deemed a deal for the 2024 Pro Bowler to be “highly unlikely.”
Coen emphasized, “We have no plans of moving Brian Thomas Jr. at all,” signaling the team’s commitment to the young receiver. Despite the rumors, trading Thomas does not seem to align with Jacksonville’s strategy, especially considering the potential impact of his absence on the team’s performance.
Thomas has had a slower start this season compared to his impressive rookie year, recording 27 receptions for 365 yards and one touchdown over the first seven games, which is a drop in his average yardage. However, this downturn may be more indicative of the Jaguars’ quarterback situation. Trevor Lawrence has struggled to find his rhythm under Coen’s guidance, registering a low 41.9 QBR and 6.3 adjusted yards per attempt, the lowest rates since his debut year in 2021.
Commentators argue that making conclusive judgments about Thomas based solely on this year could be premature, particularly given that he remains under team control for the next three seasons. With a salary cap hit of just $4 million in 2026 and $4.7 million in 2027, Thomas’ contract is favorable compared to many of the top receivers in the league. The Jaguars are likely to see value in developing their young talent rather than letting it go.
Overall, the Jaguars appear committed to building around Thomas and providing him with the necessary support to thrive in the coming years, which could establish a stronger offensive lineup as the team continues to grow.