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

Wednesday, May 21, 3:10 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin was not at Wednesday's practice, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The 29-year-old has been a full participant in offseason workouts before this absence, but this is a situation to monitor as he heads into the final year of his contract. McLaurin's contract ranks 16th among wideouts in average salary ($23.2 million), and he could be looking for long-term security with a pay bump toward the top of the position after an 82-catch, 1,096-yard, 13-touchdown season in 2024. The former third-round pick has tallied five consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns and is finally playing with a high-level quarterback in rising sophomore Jayden Daniels. Fantasy managers should expect any issues to be resolved ahead of this season, and McLaurin has WR1 upside in Washington's explosive offense.

Wednesday, January 29, 1:05 PM

After an impressive rookie season for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in 2024, new head coach Liam Coen is confident that the team can run things through Thomas again in 2025. Thomas set rookie franchise marks in catches (87), receiving yards (1,282) and touchdowns (10) to earn Pro Bowl and All-AFC honors. He's also a finalist for Rookie of the Year. Jacksonville relied more on Thomas after injuries to Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and Evan Engram, and he delivered. Coen was impressed with the work that the 22-year-old did out of the slot. The Jaguars are going to build around quarterback Trevor Lawrence with Coen now the head coach, but Thomas is going to be a primary weapon after finishing third in the NFL in receiving yards in 2024. And with Coen running Jacksonville's offense now, Thomas is going to be drafted as a surefire WR1 in fantasy drafts this fall.