The Washington Commanders need more from their passing game after Washington wide receiver Terry McLaurin (knee) tore his left patellar tendon against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6. The team announced Oct. 20 that McLaurin will miss the rest of the 2026 season, leaving Washington to replace production and a receiver who regularly draws a defense’s attention.
Locked On Commanders host David Harrison said Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is worth a call, but not an aggressive bid. Thomas fits the sort of outside target Washington lacks, and he already has a connection with Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels from LSU. Harrison’s central point was simpler than the trade speculation around Thomas: Washington can explore the idea but should not give up premium draft capital.
Thomas remains a compelling player because of what he did as a rookie, when he posted 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. His production has fallen sharply in 2026: nine receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown in six games. Still, a quieter role does not establish that Jacksonville wants to sell. Tom Pelissero of The Ringer/Netflix reported Oct. 10 that the Jaguars had shown no interest in trading Thomas.
McLaurin’s absence creates an immediate need, but Thomas is under contract on his rookie deal and would be more than a short-term replacement if a deal ever became realistic. Harrison said Washington should not part with a future first-round pick or pay a price built around Thomas’ 2024 production and the Daniels reunion alone.
Washington can make the call, but its next step should be getting more from its existing receiving group while monitoring whether Jacksonville’s stance changes before the trade deadline.
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