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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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Brian Thomas Jr. had a brutal season last year.
After breaking out as a rookie in 2024 — hauling in 87 catches on 133 targets for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading all Jacksonville Jaguars receivers in every category, and earning Pro Bowl honors — he fell apart in 2025. He dropped to just 707 yards and two touchdowns on 48 catches, while watching another surprising name emerge as the team's No. 1 receiver: Parker Washington.
The difference in draft capital between the two is notable. Thomas was the Jaguars' first-round pick (No. 23 overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft, while Washington was a sixth-round selection (No. 185 overall) the year prior. One was drafted to be an elite WR1, the other a depth piece in the rotation. But just a few years into their careers, it looks like those roles may have swapped.
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Throughout training camp, Washington has connected consistently with Trevor Lawrence and, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco, has clearly become his favorite target. DiRocco noted that Washington had three 100-yard games in the final four games of last season, including the playoffs, and has established himself as the Jaguars' WR1.
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While Thomas fell off, Washington broke out, finishing the 2025 season with career highs across the board: 847 yards and five touchdowns on 58 catches (95 targets). He posted a 145-yard performance against the Broncos in Week 16, then followed it up with a 115-yard game against the Colts the following week. He also had four games with 10-plus targets, including Jacksonville's divisional-round playoff loss to Buffalo, where he caught seven passes on 12 targets for 107 yards and a touchdown.
Washington is entering a contract year and has yet to receive a new deal, but given last year's production, many expect him to get paid in the weeks ahead. Jacksonville also has veteran possession receiver Jakobi Meyers on the roster, along with last year's No. 2 overall pick, Travis Hunter. It's becoming increasingly clear that the team's need for Thomas might be fading.
If Washington can carry his momentum into the regular season and prove he can truly be a WR1 on a top offense, Jacksonville may eventually face a tough decision: trade Thomas for whatever value he has left.
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