The Washington Commanders have a hole to fill—a big one. During Monday night’s 23-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, star wide receiver Terry McLaurin injured his knee and was carted off the field. On Tuesday, it was revealed that McLaurin had torn his patellar tendon and will miss the rest of the season.
McLaurin’s loss will be felt everywhere. He remains the Commanders' top receiver and a consummate leader. Coaches and teammates respect him, and fans love him. That’s not easily replaced.
Players like Treylon Burks and rookie Antonio Williams will see more opportunities. Both stepped up after McLaurin’s injury. Burks has the pedigree as a former first-round pick, but his health has been a concern. Williams, a third-round rookie from Clemson, has impressed every time he touches the ball this season. Fortunately, Washington is in a much better position at receiver this year, as Stefon Diggs can assume the No. 1 role, while tight end Chig Okonkwo could now lead the team in targets.
But what if general manager Adam Peters wants to bring in an outside option? One option could be particularly intriguing for the Commanders.
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had a phenomenal rookie season, catching 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. He looked like the NFL's next superstar wide receiver.
But there was a regime change in Jacksonville. The Jaguars had a new GM and head coach in 2025. His numbers fell off in 2025, as he caught 48 passes for 707 yards and two touchdowns. This season, Thomas has played in every game, but has just nine receptions, 105 receiving yards and one touchdown. Drops have been an issue for him and it appears Jacksonville is more than ready to move on.
With the trade deadline approaching, could the Commanders call the Jags to inquire? Thomas played two seasons at LSU with Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels. During Daniels’ Heisman-winning 2023 campaign, Thomas caught 68 passes for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns, which led the FBS. The two remain close friends.
The 6-foot-2 Thomas is only 24. He has one year remaining on his rookie contract, plus a fifth-year option that a new team can exercise in the spring. Thomas is the type of investment you make due to his youth, massive upside and contract status. Washington would need to be comfortable with what it learns about his lack of production since 2024.
Adding Thomas would not only fill McLaurin’s role for the remainder of the season, but also give him a chance to be featured prominently for years to come.
The asking price will be interesting, especially since it appears the Jaguars are done with him. Still, several WR-needy teams will be interested, so Thomas' cost could exceed what Peters is willing to pay.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Former Jaguars' first-round pick could make sense for Commanders at trade deadline