Jacksonville Jaguars

The Athletic's Jeff Howe writes that Jacksonville Jaguars rookie first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. seemed to make a positive impression during offseason workouts. Thomas is in a good spot heading into his first year in the NFL because the Jaguars already have a cache of proven skill players, so he can come into his own at his own pace. The Jaguars will be thrilled if he can solidify an early role as a speed-driven deep threat for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Fantasy managers considering drafting him in single-year leagues in 2024 will want to keep a close eye on how the 21-year-old's skills will translate in a more physical environment in training camp this summer. The LSU product was in the shadow of Malik Nabers in college and is probably going to struggle for consistent targets in 2024 as long as Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and Evan Engram all stay healthy.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and quarterback Trevor Lawrence agreed on a five-year, $275 million contract extension on Thursday, which includes $200 million guaranteed ($142 million at signing), according to a source. The $55 million average salary in Lawrence's deal ties him with Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow for the top mark in that category in the NFL. The 24-year-old former first overall pick in 2021 out of Clemson made his first Pro Bowl in his second season in 2022 and has had back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons, although Lawrence and the Jaguars offense struggled down the stretch last year as he battled through injuries. Overall, his 2023 campaign was a step back after he finished as the QB7 in fantasy the year prior. Lawrence lost Calvin Ridley but gained rookie Brian Thomas and Gabe Davis and has plenty of targets, but he's best drafted as a QB2 with upside in fantasy.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed free-agent wide receiver Austin Trammell, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The 25-year-old and product of Rice University spent his last two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, primarily operating as a returner on special teams. He returned 25 punts and six kickoffs last year, and he only added four catches for an extra 29 yards through the air. This move has no fantasy significance and should merely be viewed as part of the Jaguars' approach to building depth on offense and special teams.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. agreed to and signed his rookie deal on Friday, the team announced on X. The LSU product was selected with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after posting 68 receptions for 1,177 yards, and 17 receiving touchdowns (led nation) in his final collegiate season. With Jacksonville losing Calvin Ridley this offseason, they're expecting the 21-year-old to eventually develop into a No. 1 wide receiver for Trevor Lawrence. While wideout Christian Kirk and tight end Evan Engram are likely to be Lawrence's preferred targets early in the 2024 campaign, Thomas Jr. could become a solid weekly flex option later in the season. He should be able to fend off Gabe Davis if he lives up to his status as a first-round pick.

Sports Illustrated's John Shipley writes that he won't leave Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington off any roster projections moving forward after he had a good offseason from what the media observed during offseason organized team activities. Washington only had 16 receptions on 21 targets for 132 yards and two touchdowns in nine games (one start) in his rookie campaign in 2023 after the Jaguars selected him in the sixth round out of Penn State. Most of Washington's production came after the team lost Christian Kirk to a season-ending injury in the second half of the year. He's a name to keep an eye on, but as long as Kirk, rookie first-rounder Brian Thomas and Gabe Davis stay healthy, it's hard to envision Washington having a role begin enough to warrant a roster spot in standard 12-team fantasy leagues.