The writing is not only on the wall, but it's a blinding shade of neon, and it's suggesting that Brian Thomas Jr.'s tenure in Jacksonville is nearing its end. Week 6 may have been the unofficial nail in the coffin for any thought of the former first-round wideout being able to tap back into the magic from his rookie season with the franchise, as he was essentially benched in the second half of Sunday's loss to the Texans. Thomas failed to bring in either of his two targets, including a brutal drop on the opening possession of the game.
Then, after logging 15 first-half snaps in the first half, Thomas logged zero over the final two quarters. This was the second straight game where Thomas was held without a reception (five total targets). To make matters even more dire for Thomas, Travis Hunter has started to emerge at receiver.
As Thomas sat on the sideline for the second half, Hunter caught three balls for 40 yards and a touchdown over that span, and finished his day with a total of four catches for 59 yards and a touchdown. Those totals from Hunter in Week 6 are effectively half of Thomas' entire season-long production to this point (9 catches, 105 yards and a touchdown). Guys have to step up and make plays," coach Liam Coen said postgame when asked about his confidence in Thomas, via Jacksonville.com.
In the wake of Week 6, Hunter has certainly warranted a larger share in the offense alongside fellow receivers Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers, while Thomas is clearly fading. With Hunter's emergence, Thomas's second-half benching, and Jacksonville entering the bye in Week 7, it creates a perfect storm for the organization to truly reevaluate its receiving corps. If they come to the conclusion that they're better off elevating Hunter to a more prominent role and making Thomas' demotion permanent, they'd be better off moving him.
With that in mind, all eyes look toward the Nov. 10 trade deadline and whether or not the pass catcher will be moved by that juncture. If so, let's identify some logical trade destinations. The Raiders are reeling a bit after losing three straight, dropping to .500 on the season.
That said, this is still a competitive club that is in the early stages of its rebuild under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak. While there will always be an eye towards truly contending in the years to come, I think it'd be wise to roll the dice with Thomas here. The receiver room in Las Vegas is relatively thin, with Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, and Cody White currently headlining the room.
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