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Brian Thomas Jr.’s benching adds another layer to Commanders' deadline dilemma

This relationship is deteriorating.
ByDean Jones
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters won't commit one way or another before the trade deadline. Upcoming results will play a role, but the front office leader is keeping nothing off the table right now.

The deteriorating situation between wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and the Jacksonville Jaguars is also worth monitoring.

Things have gone completely south between Thomas and the franchise. Head coach Liam Coen had seen enough against the Houston Texans in London, benching the former LSU standout for the entire second half. Trust has waned, and this relationship looks beyond salvaging.

Brian Thomas Jr.'s situation in Jacksonville could have Commanders' attention

All signs are pointing to Thomas being traded before the deadline.

The Jaguars won't pick up his fifth-year option. They are definitely not giving him another deal early, and with Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers as Jacksonville's preferred wideout tandem, the situation looks bleak.

Cashing in on Thomas should be strongly considered. His value is already dropping, and any more friction like this will only make it fall further.

Striking now could help ensure they get good value back. And even though the wideout hasn't met expectations over the last two years, teams should be willing to bet that a change of scenery will get him back to his old form.

And of course, the Commanders are among those being rumored to make a bold move.

Thomas and quarterback Jayden Daniels are close. They formed a strong bond at LSU, and they remain tight now. That naturally comes with speculation, but the receiver would probably jump at the chance to reunite with his former college signal-caller.

Commanders may not be in a position to make Brian Thomas Jr. trade before the deadline

Much would depend on the compensation, but the rookie contract is easily absorbed. The Jaguars aren't going to give him away, with the media touting a second-round pick. That might be a little too rich, but if it's a third or lower, the Commanders might just throw their hat in the ring.

This is a very fluid situation. The Jaguars won't show their hand. Losing leverage isn't smart at this time of year, but things aren't great between Thomas and Coen.

Just why there has been such a breakdown is anyone's guess. Thomas looked like one of the league's best young receivers as a rookie, but it's hard not to be alarmed by the regression since.

He is clearly dealing with some confidence issues. Thomas only recently turned 24, so he is still learning, and there is still time to get out of his slump.

Linking back up with Daniels is a tempting proposition. Still, if the Commanders don't gain some positivity over the next three games, Peters is more likely to stand pat or sell than buy.

Time will tell, but it seems as if the Jaguars and Thomas will go their separate ways at some stage.

And despite things not going well since his rookie breakout, there would be a strong market for the player if Jacksonville started making calls.

Whether the Commanders would be among them is the big question that nobody knows the answer to right now.

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