Even though the Jacksonville Jaguars had their BYE in Week 8, they were the talk of the town because a report surfaced that they were entertaining inquiries about Brian Thomas Jr. Now, just because the Jags were taking phone calls doesn't mean they were actively shopping the second-year wide receiver. However, he was quickly linked to several teams across the NFL, and rightly so.
Even though Thomas has left much to be desired, he registered 82 catches for 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns as a rookie. And that's why head coach Liam Coen made it clear the Jaguars aren't moving on from him.
The Jaguars aren't trading Brian Thomas Jr.
Following the BYE, head coach Liam Coen met with the local media and made it clear that Brian Thomas Jr. isn't going anywhere, noting that he's confident he can put it all together.
"Yeah, I am very optimistic. You know, we have no plans on moving Brian Thomas Jr. at all," Coen responded when asked whether he was optimistic Thomas could turn the corner (6:23 mark). "Saw something about that over the weekend. But, I mean, I talked to him for a good amount of time this morning, and it was just a good reset for a lot of these guys to come in fresh 4-3 with everything ahead of us."
Coen continued, "Regardless, good, bad, or indifferent, what's happened in the first seven games, we all have an opportunity to write a narrative. We own the narrative, and so I got a lot of confidence in him. I really do believe that we can turn the corner and get better than in the past."
Thomas has struggled with drops this season. He had seven as a rookie but has already logged nine in seven games this season. Similarly, he's on pace to log fewer than 1,000 yards after logging 1,282 yards last year.
Brian Thomas Jr. must prove the Jaguars' trust isn't misplaced
All things considered, it's a breath of fresh air to hear Liam Coen make it clear that the Jaguars aren't moving on from Brian Thomas Jr., and that's the right call when you consider just how talented he is. Similarly, the fact that he would be in demand if he were officially placed on the trade block goes on to show just how valuable he is.
Now, Thomas needs to repay the team's trust in him. Working in his favor is that there's still plenty of time left in the season for him to turn the corner. It's also important to remember that the former LSU Tiger didn't truly hit his stride last year until Week 11.
Ultimately, the Jaguars know Brian Thomas Jr. is too talented to give up on him a few games into his second season. The only reason he's being held to a high standard is that he's proven he can play at a high level. He now needs to show he can do it on a consistent basis.