Brian Thomas Jr. Continues to Struggle in Jaguars’ Offense
Brian Thomas Jr. appeared to be the NFL’s next superstar receiver when he broke onto the scene in 2024. Now, his role in the Jaguars offense is fading.
Thomas recorded one reception for 8 yards on one target in the Jaguars’ 35-6 win over the Patriots on Sunday. Thomas had never been targeted fewer than three times prior to the affair. Six Jaguars were targeted more than the LSU product, including rookie Josh Cameron, who found the end zone for the second time this season.
In 2024, Thomas recorded 1,282 yards, a mark good for third among the league’s receivers. He also tied for the sixth-most touchdowns with 10. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl nod and fourth place in Association Press Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. Thomas looked to be one of Jacksonville’s only bright spots in a lackluster 4-13 season and produced at a high level even with Mac Jones operating the offense for the latter part of the year.
Thomas began exhibiting serious issues catching the football in his sophomore campaign. Pro Football Reference charges him with at least one drop in six of the Jaguars’ first seven games, including a three-drop performance in a blowout loss to the Rams in Week 7.
Thomas returned after missing three games due to a high ankle sprain and committed only one additional drop over the Jaguars’ final six games. However, he failed to return to rookie form and finished 2025 with zero 100-plus yard performances.
Beyond drops, Thomas also saw a concerning decline in the yards-after-catch sector in 2025. During his rookie season, Thomas posted 6.5 yards after catch per reception. That number dropped to 3.3 in 2025 and sits at 1.0 in 2026. Part of this disparity can be explained by a slight spike in his average depth of target between 2024 and 2025, jumping from 11.4 to 14.5. However, a near halving in his average YAC suggests Thomas has been significantly less effective after the catch since his initial season.
Entering 2026, Jags coach Liam Coen said he expected Thomas’ production to increase.
“All I know is I saw the guy just catch balls all spring,” Coen said in an interview with Peter Schrager.
Through Week 3 of the 2026 season, up-and-coming wideout Parker Washington has comfortably replaced Thomas as the team’s leading receiver. Thomas has 13 targets to Washington’s 23 thus far.
Beyond Washington, the Jaguars have further deepened the receiver room since Thomas’ rookie campaign. Jacksonville traded for veteran pass catcher Jakobi Meyers ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. Meyers has proved to be a trustworthy target for Trevor Lawrence, committing only one drop as a Jaguar.
Cameron, the No. 191 selection in this year’s draft, has also shown promise, especially as a red zone target. Cameron has scored two touchdowns in his first three career games on four targets.
While the Jaguars have yet to give 2025 No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter substantial volume on offense, he is also a viable weapon. Hunter’s unique combination of ball skills and elusiveness makes him a threat in the screen game and deep downfield, as displayed with his 44-yard leaping reception against the Chiefs in Week 5 of 2025.
The Jaguars will visit Cincinnati on Sunday, where Thomas committed two drops a year ago.
Category: Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL
