Liam Coen makes big Brian Thomas Jr. announcement amid trade chatter

Despite an underwhelming season for Brian Thomas Jr., the second-year wide receiver still seems to be a big part of the Jacksonville Jaguars' plans. 

The Jaguars have reportedly received calls about Thomas before the trade deadline on Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. ET. On Monday, Jaguars head coach Liam Coen made it clear they're sending those to voicemail. 

Liam Coen says Jaguars aren't trading Brian Thomas Jr. 

"We have no plans of moving Brian Thomas Jr. at all," the first-year coach said while addressing the trade rumors.

LSU product Thomas has regressed this season after a stellar rookie year. Through seven games, the WR is averaging 52.1 receiving yards per game (365 yards in seven games) after averaging 75.4 last season (1,282 yards in 17 games). 

Even more concerning for the Jaguars is that he has had trouble with drops. Per Pro Football Focus, he has six drops in seven games. That already matches the total number of drops he had last season. 

Thomas has valid excuses for his second-year slide. He's adjusting to Coen's offense, and except for him, Jacksonville lacks consistent pass-catchers.

Rookie WR/CB Travis Hunter ranks second on the team in receiving yards (298) behind Thomas. Of course, the former Colorado Buffaloes star has struggled to meet lofty expectations because he's juggling duties on both sides of the ball. 

Jaguars starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence continues to have accuracy issues. Through eight weeks, the QB ranks second to last in the league in completion percentage (58.7%) among 33 eligible QBs. 

The Jaguars still need Thomas to be better for the rest of the season to make it back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2022 season. As of Monday, Jacksonville (4-3) is seventh in the AFC. 

Claiming the WR is a one-season wonder, however, would be rash. Thomas still has plenty of potential, so it wouldn't be a wise idea for the Jaguars to send him somewhere else.