While the Jacksonville Jaguars soared toward an optimistic new frontier in 2025, one key member -- receiver Brian Thomas Jr. -- spent much of the joyous, transformative season in the shadows.
A breakout star as a rookie, Thomas endured a number of challenges in his second season. He struggled to perform consistently, developed a tendency to drop passes, battled an ankle injury and finished with nearly 600 fewer receiving yards than his memorable debut campaign, one that saw him catch 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. Thomas made just three visits to the end zone in 2025 (two receiving, one rushing) and finished as a secondary character in Jacksonville's exciting story.
"It was just adversity, [which] gives you a lot to grow from," Thomas said, . "I wouldn't call it frustrating. I mean, it just gives you something to build off. You know what you've got to do and you know what you got to do to sustain [success]."
It happens. Plenty of players find it difficult to replicate premier success on a per-year basis. But if the Jaguars are going to fully realize their potential, they know Thomas must play an important part.
There are a number of reasons why Thomas fell short of the sky-high standard he set as a rookie. The injury hampered his effectiveness, and it wasn't until coach Liam Coen adopted a slightly different approach in how he used Thomas that the receiver found a rhythm. By then, of course, other names had also risen to prominence: Parker Washington became an integral target for Trevor Lawrence, finishing as the team's leader in receiving yards (847) and second in receiving touchdowns (five), and midseason acquisition Jakobi Meyers gobbled up a number of targets after arriving via trade with the Raiders.
As is often the case with successful teams, the Jaguars spread the wealth. Thomas still finished second in receiving yards (707), but the impact wasn't the same, at least not when viewed from the surface.
That was fine for Coen, who had little issue with Thomas' drop in productivity in their first season spent together. The reason was simple: The Jaguars kept winning.
Coen knows Thomas has work to accomplish but isn't concerned about his numbers after two seasons. If 2025 was merely a preview of things to come, the collective momentum will push Thomas forward. He's simply too talented not to.
