By Kyle Wahl | Opinion

If Jacksonville gets a reasonable offer for Brian Thomas Jr., I think it should take it.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Saturday that multiple league executives believe the Jaguars will seriously consider trading the receiver before the deadline because his role has decreased. That doesn’t mean Jacksonville has decided to move him or that a deal is close.

But if the Jaguars are listening, I understand why. I don’t think trading Thomas would cost this offense nearly as much as his reputation suggests.

The reputation is bigger than the role

Thomas had an impressive rookie season. He showed why Jacksonville drafted him in the first round, and another team could reasonably believe that player is still there.

But that season shouldn’t guarantee him a leading role now.

Through six games this season, Thomas has nine catches for 105 yards and one touchdown. He hasn’t caught a pass in either of Jacksonville’s last two games. Against Houston, he played just 15 snaps and didn’t appear in the second half, according to the report.

Those numbers don’t explain everything that has gone wrong. They do make it difficult to argue that moving him would tear apart Jacksonville’s passing game.

I think Thomas is overrated at this point. There’s talent there, but I wouldn’t value him as an established number one receiver based on what he showed as a rookie.

Washington has earned the bigger opportunity

Parker Washington is the receiver who has stood out to me. He looks like the player taking over that leading role, and I’d rather see Jacksonville keep giving him opportunities than force the ball to Thomas.

Washington and Jakobi Meyers have moved ahead in the receiving rotation, while rookie Josh Cameron has earned more opportunities.

Looking at that group, I don’t see a clear role for Thomas that makes keeping him essential. He could still help this offense, but I wouldn’t turn down a reasonable offer just because of what he might eventually become.

Washington has given Jacksonville a reason to feel comfortable considering a move.

Take a reasonable return

I wouldn’t trade Thomas just to get him out of the building. Jacksonville should have a price it’s comfortable accepting.

But I also wouldn’t hold out for a massive return because of his draft position or rookie production. If another team offers useful compensation, I’d take it and move forward with the receivers earning the work.

Maybe Thomas goes somewhere else and has a big season. Jacksonville would have to accept that possibility. It shouldn’t keep a player without a clear role simply because it’s worried about how a trade might look later.

From what I’ve seen, Washington has earned a bigger place in this offense. Thomas hasn’t shown enough this season to make a reasonable offer worth passing up.

Photo: Brian Thomas Jr. playing for LSU against Florida in 2023. Credit: Tammy Anthony Baker / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0.