Jayden Daniels Yell
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The Washington Commanders selected former LSU Tiger and Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
A golden opportunity may have opened up for the Washington Commanders. The Jacksonville Jaguars have been delivering conflicting messages about the availability of wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas PFF
GettyJacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.’s Pro Football Focus grade dropped from 82.0 in 2024 to 65.5 in 2025.
SNY’s Connor Hughes reported on March 9th that Jacksonville was now open to entertaining offers for Thomas Jr. after previously being against it. However, Adam Schefter then refuted that report on March 10 during his coverage on the Pat McAfee show. “I’ve been told that the Jaguars are not interested in trading him; they’ve denied it repeatedly,”Schefter claimed.These conflicting reports have caused even more confusion about the true status of the young wide receiver.
Ultimately, it will be up to Jaguars general manager James Gladstone to make a definitive statement and decision. However, every team has a price, and as free agency narrows the number of options at wide receiver, the tide could change in what a team’s willing to offer. The Commanders have been listed as a top fit for Thomas Jr., if he becomes available.
Washington Commanders’ Inability To Land A Top FA WR Could Lead to Brian Thomas Jr. Interest
Alec Pierce Colts
GettyWide receiver Alec Pierce agreed to a record-breaking $116 million, four-year contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Commanders have been reportedly searching for a younger and more explosive playmaking option at receiver. Heading into the free agent period, there were numerous top receiver options available; however, the Commanders’ inability to sign any of them places them in a difficult position. CBS Sports cited the Commanders’ inability to lure Alec Pierce away from the Indianapolis Colts as a major reason why he believes Washington is a top landing spot for Thomas Jr.
“TheCommanders reportedly made a massive offer to Alec Pierce before he decided to remain with the Indianapolis Colts. Now they could turn their attention to a young player who would pair nicely with Terry McLaurin,”Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports wrote. “Wide receiver is again a need for the Commanders, as last year’s leading receiver Deebo Samuel, Zach Ertz, Noah Brown and Chris Moore are all free agents.”
The Commanders were also reportedly one of thefinal teams competing for Romeo Doubs before he decided to sign with the New England Patriots.
Now that the options are becoming even more limited, Thomas Jr. may look more appealing, especially when you tie in his pre-existing connection with Jayden Daniels.
Brian Thomas Jr. May Need a Fresh Start
Brian thomas Jr Stats
GettyJacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. recorded 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024.
Thomas Jr. was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft along with Jayden Daniels. The two played together at LSU in 2023. Thomas posted1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns with Daniels. He hasn’t shown that same type of chemistry at the NFL level, and it’s one of the leading factors why he’s in the trade conversation at all. In a full season with Trevor Lawrence, Thomas Jr. posted 48 catches,707 yards,and two touchdown receptions. This was a disappointment following a season where he made thePro Bowl as a rookie.
More notable than the statistical dropoff was how out of sync BTJ felt within the Jaguars’ offense. This was part of the reason Thomas Jr. was tied for second in the league for mostdropped passes in 2025 with 10.
All this being said, a fresh start could be necessary, especially when considering how strong the Jaguars are at wide receiver. The Commanders do haveties to other potential receiving options, including both San Francisco 49ers receivers, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. However, they both will come with heavy price tags. Landing Thomas Jr. will cost significant draft compensation in a potential blockbuster move, but could provide more space for them to work with financially. This would allow the team to look at other remaining free agents to address other areas of need.