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LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy after a 50 total touchdown season.
The Washington Commanders immediately began making changes following Week 18 of the 2025 regular season. Since then, they have fired both of their previous offensive and defensive coordinators and have already hired their replacements. With former assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough now leading the way as OC, the team is expected to revamp the offense in hopes of maximizing Jayden Daniels potential. Along with an altered scheme, the team is expected to update the offense with new weapons for Daniels. However, Bleacher Report suggests that they should look at a more familiar one.
B/R’s Alex Ballentine lists Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., a former college teammate of Jayden Daniels, as a top trade target for the Commanders.
GettyBrian Thomas Jr. was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft with the 23rd overall selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“The second-year receiver saw a major dip in production after a stellar rookie season,” Ballentine wrote.
“He had a great connection with Jayden Daniels when they were teammates at LSU. Pairing quarterbacks with their former college targets has worked out well for teams recently. The Commanders should be willing to pay up to reunite Thomas with Daniels if the Jags are looking to trade him.”
WR Brian Thomas Jr.’s Sophomore Slump is the Biggest Engine Behind Trade Rumors
GettyJacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. recorded 48 receptions for 707 yards and two touchdowns in 2025.
While Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen stated that he plans for Thomas Jr. to “100%” be part of the team’s future, the young wide receiver is still listed as a top trade candidate across several sources.
B/R’s Adam Well wrote about the rise and fall of Thomas Jr. across his first two years in the league. “Thomas looked like a budding superstar in 2024 when he finished third in the NFL with 1,282 receiving yards and tied for sixth with 10 touchdowns. His total EPA of 107.89 ranked behind only Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Drake London.”
“This season saw a dramatic decline in Thomas’ numbers. He had 48 receptions, 707 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games. His 10 drops were tied for the second-most among all receivers in the NFL.”
Brian Thomas Jr.’s drop in production could be attributed to a variety of factors, but a potential lack of chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence standsout. Many forget that most of BTJ’s rookie production came with Mac Jones under center as he played 10 games in 2024 for Jacksonville. Pairing Thomas Jr.’s second-year struggles with the Jaguars wealth of options at receiver leads many to believe the team could still opt to trade him.
Reuniting him with Jayden Daniels makes sense, as the team is expected to look for a new number two option behind Terry McLaurin. Daniels and BTJ combined for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns in their final year at LSU together. Their connection could be beneficial as both parties look to bounce back in year three.
Commanders Exploring Free Agency for a New Wide Receiver for Jayden Daniels
GettyIndianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce led the NFL in yards per catch in consecutive seasons, and he became the first player since A.J. Brown in 2019 to go over 1,000 yards on at least 20 yards per catch.
A potential trade isn’t expected to be the only route the Commanders could take to add a new receiving threat to the team. Deebo Samuel Sr. is currently the team’s number two option. Despite solid production in his lone year with the team, he is 30 years old and entering free agency. The team is expected to move in a younger direction and to look at adding a more explosive deep-threat option for Jayden Daniels.
With the NFL free agency period beginning on March 11, the team has plenty of available options to look at that fit those desired traits. The top 2026 wide receiver free agents that are young and display an element of speed include George Pickens, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Alec Pierce. CBS Sports listed Pierce as a perfect fit for the Commanders in the offseason.
The Commanders have the fifth-most Cap Space in the league entering 2026 with $76,041,469 at their disposal. Expect general manager Adam Peters to be proactive in the offseason as he attempts to capitalize on Daniels’ rookie contract.
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