Brian Thomas Jr.’s drops may force the Jaguars to restart their decades-long search for a No. 1 WR

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Brian Thomas Jr. was supposed to be Jacksonville’s No. 1 receiver, a go-to guy who would help quarterback Trevor Lawrence reach another level.

After six games, it’s reasonable to wonder if he’s doing more harm than good.

Thomas added another drop to his disappointing season Sunday when he botched a third-down pass over the middle in the fourth quarter of a 20-12 loss to Seattle. Thomas was wide open in space but let the ball slip through his fingers.

He wiped his gloves on his No. 7 jersey afterward but made no excuses later for what’s become a troubling trend in 2025.

“I am going to keep pushing and keep working hard, keeping coming back each and every week, pushing and trying to be the best I can be each and every down,” said Thomas, who has 24 catches on 48 targets for 334 yards and a touchdown this season.

Late last year, Thomas looked like he had the talent to be the franchise’s best receiver since Jimmy Smith. He caught 50 passes for 675 yards and five touchdowns over the final seven games and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie.

He showed so much promise that Jacksonville’s new regime traded Christian Kirk and cut fellow receiver Gabe Davis even though the moves cost the team a combined $19 million against the salary cap.

But the Jaguars (4-2), who travel to London to face the Los Angeles Rams (4-2) on Sunday, aren’t sure what has happened to Thomas since. Is he lacking confidence? Is he feeling pressure? Is he dealing with personal issues? Is he being asked to do too much?

Thomas has dropped at least five passes this season, including a fourth-down throw at the goal line in a loss at Cincinnati in Week 2. Equally concerning, he short-armed two other throws over the middle and ducked on a pass in the end zone — the kind of effort that can raise eyebrows in a locker room.

“We’ve just got to quit beating ourselves,” said Thomas, who also dropped passes in practice throughout the offseason.

Could benching Thomas help? Maybe, but the Jaguars have limited options because rookie Travis Hunter works solely as a slot receiver on offense.

Trading the 23rd pick in the 2024 NFL draft wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities considering general manager James Gladstone dealt starting cornerback Tyson Campbell, running back Tank Bigsby, offensive tackle Fred Johnson and center Luke Fortner in the last two months.

The drops also might be something the Jags have to live with until they can restart their decades-long search for another No. 1 receiver like Jimmy Smith.

What’s working

The Jaguars converted all three fourth-down attempts against Seattle, raising their total to 6 for 9 on the season. They moved the chains twice on fourth down during a second-half touchdown drive, which made it a one-score game. Thomas’ third-down drop came on the ensuing possession, the first of numerous mistakes down the stretch for Jacksonville.

What needs help

Jacksonville’s special teams rarely get outplayed, but they did against the Seahawks. Cam Little missed an extra point and a field goal. Logan Cooke punted a season-high eight times but landed just two inside the 20. And returner Parker Washington muffed a punt that bounced out of bounds.

Stock up

Cornerback Montaric Brown made his first start of the season, stepping in after Campbell was traded, and played well. He had three tackles and defended two passes while playing 84% of the defensive snaps.

Stock down

Jacksonville’s offensive line, which allowed a combined six sacks in the first five games, was abused by Seattle and now faces a Rams unit that’s tied for fourth in the league with 19.

Trevor Lawrence was sacked seven times and pressured on more than half his drop-backs. Left tackle Walker Little had a particularly rough afternoon, unable to handle DeMarcus Lawrence or Leonard Williams off the edge.

Injuries

Starting linebacker Devin Lloyd (calf), the AFC defensive player of the month for September, and reserve tight end Quintin Morris (groin) won’t make the trip to London. Center Robert Hainsey (hamstring) will try to play.

Key number

13 — Games the Jaguars have played in London, more than double any other NFL franchise. The Jaguars are 7-6 overseas, with most of those played at iconic Wembley Stadium.

Next steps

Jacksonville leaves for London on Monday and will spend much of the week working on playing cleaner football.

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