Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Brian Thomas Jr.

Monday, August 25, 11:47 AM

The Washington Commanders have signed star wide receiver Terry McLaurin to a three-year contract extension worth over $96 million, per Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports. McLaurin has been engaged in a highly publicized standoff with the team for the majority of the summer in search of a new deal, and it appears his wish has now been granted. The 29-year-old is coming off a career year in 2024, recording 82 catches for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns. He's played in all 17 games for Washington in four consecutive seasons and hasn't had fewer than 77 catches or 1,002 receiving yards in a season since his rookie year in 2019. Now that McLaurin is back, he's the undisputed top target for quarterback Jayden Daniels in Washington. McLaurin profiles as a solid WR2 in fantasy, although it's possible his absence from training camp practices and preseason play affects his performance early in the regular season.

Thursday, August 7, 12:52 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (illness) is back at training camp practice on Thursday, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN. Thomas returns after sitting out on Wednesday while being under the weather. Head coach Liam Coen said that "everybody" will play in the preseason opener this Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, so Thomas should be on the field. The 22-year-old is a top-10 fantasy wideout going into his second NFL campaign after impressing to the tune of 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts) as a rookie. The Jags added two-way star Travis Hunter in the first round this year, and he should take over immediately as the WR2 across from Thomas to help draw some attention away from him. In Coen's offense, Thomas could be even more prolific in Year 2.