Jaguars WR Rumors: Washington, Thomas

Unlike some general managers, Jaguars GM James Gladstone has shown a willingness to hammer out in-season extensions. Late last season, his first on the job, Gladstone reached a three-year, $60MM deal with receiver Jakobi Meyers and a three-year, $51MM pact with offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen.

The salary cap has increased significantly since then, as has the cost of starting-caliber receivers, which suggests Washington will cost more than Meyers and Van Lanen. He may be in line for a contract similar to the three-year, $75MM pact Cardinals receiver Michael Wilson secured in early September.

Washington was unheralded when he entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick in 2023, but the Penn State product’s stock has gradually gone up since a nine-game, 16-catch rookie year. He played a full season in 2024 and finished with 32 catches, 390 yards and three TDs. Washington’s numbers then skyrocketed in 2025, offensive-minded head coach Liam Coen’s first year at the controls, as the 5-foot-10, 204-pounder totaled 58 receptions for 847 yards and five scores in 16 games.

With 22 grabs, 352 yards and four TDs in five games in 2026, Washington is once again on pace for a career year. He has shown impressive versatility along the way, having lined up on the outside for 53% of snaps and in the slot for the rest.

Not to be forgotten, Washington also held his own as a punt returner during his first three seasons. He averaged over 14 yards and scored three times on 43 returns during that span. While Washington is off to a slow start on special teams this year (seven returns, 21 yards), he remains the Jaguars’ top option on punts. That could up his asking price to some degree.

With Washington and Meyers entrenched as Jacksonville’s top two receivers, Brian Thomas Jr.’s importance to the team’s offense has continued to drop since his sensational rookie year. Thomas, the 23rd overall pick in 2024, racked up 87 receptions, 1,282 yards and 10 TDs and earned a Pro Bowl nod in his first season. He looked well on his way to stardom then, but the former LSU standout then underwhelmed during a 48-catch, 707-yard, two-score showing last season.

Thomas logged a 64.43% offensive snap share in 2025, though that figure has plummeted to 48.23 this season. The 24-year-old has only contributed nine catches, 105 yards and a TD for the 4-1 Jags, but with the Nov. 10 trade deadline approaching, they have not shown any interest in dealing him, Tom Pelissero of The Ringer reports.

It does not appear the Jaguars are ready to go the same route with Thomas that the Cardinals did with Marvin Harrison Jr., another disappointing first-round receiver from the 2024 class. The Cardinals shipped Harrison to the Texans, one of the Jaguars’ AFC South rivals, for two 2027 picks (a second- and seventh-rounder) last weekend. Harrison will debut with his new team on Sunday against the Jaguars, who will have a chance to send the Texans to 1-5 and potentially bury them in the division race.