Who Should I Start? Brian Thomas Jr. or Bucky Irving

Wednesday, February 25, 1:40 PM

ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that there hasn't been an indication that the Jacksonville Jaguars are planning to trade wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. this offseason, but there "are teams monitoring the situation" in case the former first-rounder has fallen far enough down their depth chart that the "front office would consider a move." The 23-year-old LSU product was a draft choice of the previous administration two years ago and still has two more years for a total of $4.9 million on his contract, plus a fifth-year team option for 2028. Thomas was excellent in 2024, posting an 87-1,282-10 line in 17 regular-season games, but he regressed in 2025 and finished with 48 catches for 707 yards and only two TDs in 14 regular-season games. The Jags traded for Jakobi Meyers and then signed him to a long-term deal, and Parker Washington also broke out. Thomas finished in more of a WR3 field-stretching role last year, and the best chances of him returning to his rookie form might be with a change of scenery.

Monday, February 16, 2:21 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) had offseason surgery on his shoulder, according to JoeBucsFan.com. Irving missed seven straight games last year from Weeks 5 through 12 with ankle and shoulder injuries. His ankle healed before his shoulder. The good news is that Irving's recovery and rehab are not expected to significantly impact his offseason preparation. Irving had 1,122 rushing yards and 5.4 yards per carry as a rookie in 2024, but his production dropped in Year 2 due to his injuries, as he finished with 588 rushing yards (3.4 yards per carry). The 23-year-old could have a bigger role in Tampa's backfield next season with Rachaad White not expected to return in free agency, although the Bucs will probably prioritize adding RB depth after Irving's injury issues in 2025. Irving will have bounce-back potential for fantasy managers this year, but he'll also carry injury risk as an RB2 target.