Trevor Lawrence is finally saying what every fan wants to hear about Brian Thomas Jr. following a disappointing second season in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Jaguars former first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. took a major step back during his second season with the team and the recent comments by quarterback Trevor Lawrence prove he will return to his usual self.
The Jacksonville Jaguars felt they had a star in the making after first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. exploded for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns during his rookie season with the team. They felt even that was a sign of things to come.
The following season, Jacksonville added a new offensive-minded head coach in Liam Coen and another first-round weapon in Travis Hunter to help maximize Thomas’ game and take some of the pressure of his plate as the primary pass catcher.
Instead, the results went the opposite direction. Thomas’ stats plummeted during the 2025-26 season posting just 707 yards and two touchdowns. The connection with quarterback Trevor Lawrence just wasn’t clicking in the new system like it did the year before. And it’s something that’s bound to revert back on the right path in 2026.
Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence optimism for his connection with WR Brian Thomas Jr.
On Monday, ESPN’s Michael DiRocco listed Thomas as the Jaguars most surprising player of the offseason program adding that Thomas has been “the Jags’ most impressive offensive player” this spring/summer and sharing that his connection with his quarterback has been the best it’s ever been.
That report lines up with what Lawrence said last week on The O-Zone Podcast when asked about his connection ramping back up with his top offensive weapon.
“Last year at times we just weren’t on the same page for whatever reason,” Lawrence said. “We have taken a huge step in that area. He’s so fast, running by guys all the time. A lot of it was, looking at myself and saying, ‘OK, where can I improve and get better? How can I get him the ball more accurately on time down the field, give him opportunities to go run under the ball and make plays?’”
Back in 2024, Thomas was a successful deep ball receiver. On passes of 20+ air yards, Thomas had 451 yards and two touchdowns with just one drop. The following season, he had just 187 yards and zero touchdowns with three less targets on such passes. It’s also worth noting that Thomas suffered a high ankle sprain midway through the season that slowed him down for a couple of weeks.
Whether it was injury-related or connection-related, the Jaguars missed the 2024 version of Brian Thomas Jr. and it played a big role in limiting the team’s potential. If Lawrence’s words and what Thomas showed this offseason are true, the Jags should expect to get that explosive element back in the passing game from their top play-maker.
“He’s such a talented player,” Lawrence added. “We just have to find those opportunities more. We talked about it a lot — BT, Liam, all of us. It’s starting to pay off and it’s just the beginning.”
Thomas also has a secondary motive to regain his 2024 form in Year 3 after seeing the contract Jaxon Smith-Njigba signed following his third NFL season. And the Jaguars would be wise to get ahead of the other 2024 wide receivers such as Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, Ladd McConkey, and Malik Nabers.
A big contract could be on the horizon for Thomas if he finds a way to bounce back in 2026.