Who Should I Start? Brian Thomas Jr. or Matthew Golden

Wednesday, June 24, 11:06 AM

NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reports that multiple people on the Jacksonville Jaguars coaching staff have said that wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has come back on strong during offseason workouts and has focused on the mental element of his game as well as improving his chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence as he enters Year 3 in 2026. One source told Wolfe that Thomas has been "night and day" this offseason compared to his disappointing sophomore campaign in 2025, in which he caught 48 of 91 targets for 707 yards and two touchdowns in 14 regular-season starts after posting an 87-1,282-10 line in 17 games in his rookie season. The former first-rounder out of LSU is expected to be used a lot more down the field in 2026 on vertical routes, and the Jags think that's where the 23-year-old can really take the next step. Thomas is going to have to battle for targets with Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, and tight end Brenton Strange, but all signs this offseason are pointing towards a clear bounce-back for Thomas. Target him as a solid WR3/flex with upside for more in 2026 fantasy drafts.