Jaguars' new weapon, Brian Thomas Jr. just threw the ball in Parker Washington's court
On Thursday night, the Jacksonville Jaguars crossed one of their biggest needs off their list—another weapon for Trevor Lawrence to throw to after the team lost wide receiver Calvin Ridley in free agency to the Tennessee Titans. The Jaguars traded their No. 17 overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings and actually drafted at No. 23. […]
On Thursday night, the Jacksonville Jaguars crossed one of their biggest needs off their list—another weapon for Trevor Lawrence to throw to after the team lost wide receiver Calvin Ridley in free agency to the Tennessee Titans.
The Jaguars traded their No. 17 overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings and actually drafted at No. 23. They got back pick 167 and a 2025 third—and fourth-round pick. They drafted LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., a guy who will play on the outside in a role the Jaguars desperately needed.
There's just one problem, though. It's not a problem, but it may be for Thomas Jr. and the fan base. Fans cannot order his jersey because his uniform number is undecided.
When he was asked what number he would wear, he had an interesting quote.
"You know what number I want to wear, but as of right now, I'll be number 80," Thomas Jr. said at his introductory press conference.
Thomas wore No. 11 at LSU. The Jaguars' No. 11 is currently worn by wide receiver Parker Washington, who is entering his second season. This happens in the league more than you may think. And, sometimes, it works for both sides.
What can happen is Thomas can ask Washington for the number; Washington may be willing to give it up but would likely have to pay for his jerseys, and then the player who wants that number will likely pay the player who has it already. It's confusing, but it's something we see often.
Thomas' statement lets Washington know he is interested in the number. If he can't get it, he will be 80. Now, we just have to wait and see. But the ball is in Washington's court.
