Jaguars HC Liam Coen gives clear verdict on Brian Thomas Jr. to Bills rumors ahead of trade deadline

Reports emerged last week that the Jacksonville Jaguars were listening to offers for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Jaguars coach Liam Coen cleared the air surrounding Thomas' future on Sunday.

According to the Athletic's Dianna Russini on Saturday:

"The Jaguars are listening on calls for WR Brian Thomas Jr., even if a move feels highly unlikely. They're also shopping for defense."

Liam Coen contradicted reports saying the Jaguars are not planning to move the sophomore wide receiver amid rumors of a potential trade to the Buffalo Bills. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Coen said:

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"We have no plans on moving Brian Thomas Jr at all."

The rumors surrounding Thomas Jr.'s future with the Jaguars arose in the wake of his surprising slump this season. Thomas, who had a stellar rookie season last year, has struggled with 365 yards and one touchdown in 2025, compared to 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie.

While he has 27 catches this season, the 2024 first-round pick has struggled with dropped passes this season. Despite his struggles, Coen and the Jaguars are backing the second-year WR.

NFL insider speculates about Brian Thomas Jr.'s "fit" in Liam Coen's offense

Amid Brian Thomas Jr.'s struggles in the ongoing season, NFL insider Kristopher Knox wondered if the second-year wide receiver was a poor fit in Liam Coen's offense.

"Teams don't usually get rid of good young receivers only a year after drafting them, but it's fair to wonder if Thomas is simply a poor fit for Liam Coen's offense," Knox wrote for Bleacher Report.

Knox's assessment could hold some truth as Coen is in his first coach job after being hired by Jaguars in January. He served as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024.

The Jaguars will be up against the Houston Texans after their bye week, and the team will hope Thomas Jr. can rediscover his form for the Week 8 clash.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash