Something’s definitely changing in Jacksonville. What began as a small experiment has turned into a clear statement. Travis Hunter could very well be the Jaguars’ next big offensive star. With Brian Thomas Jr. struggling to find his rhythm and raising questions about his future, it seems Liam Coen is gearing up to make some significant changes to his offensive strategy.

Before the Jaguars faced off against the Rams in Week 7, Coen hinted that Hunter would play a more prominent role. And he certainly delivered on that promise. Hunter made 64 snaps, marking a season high for him. He also led the Jaguars in targets (14), receptions (8), and yards (101). This was his most well-rounded performance to date, and it could change the way the team utilizes him moving forward.

According to ESPN’s Michael DiRocco, the coaching staff’s evaluations during the bye week are likely to reinforce Hunter’s expanded role in the offense. “Reading between the lines, it looks like Hunter is going to be a significant player in the offense going forward,” DiRocco noted, adding that “So don’t be surprised if Hunter starts getting the WR1 treatment from the Jaguars in the season’s second half.”

This shift comes as Thomas Jr.’s inconsistency continues to frustrate the coaching staff. Once seen as Jacksonville’s top receiver, Thomas has had his share of struggles with drops and confidence issues. As of Week 7, he was tied for the NFL lead with five drops, according to ESPN Research, including some critical missed catches in some games. DiRocco noted instances where Thomas “appeared to alligator arm a pass or shy away from contact,” which has led to frustration within the team and sparked trade rumors.

On the other hand, Hunter’s role on defense remains a bit unclear. He only played 12 defensive snaps against the Rams, his lowest in weeks. This could indicate that Coen and the coaching staff are preparing to transition him fully to an offensive role.

For now, the message seems clear: Travis Hunter is no longer a two-way luxury. He’s becoming the Jaguars’ offensive priority, and potentially the reason a major roster shakeup could follow. While Brian Thomas Jr. continues to battle inconsistency and outside noise, his head coach isn’t ready to give up on him just yet.

Liam Coen shuts down Brian Thomas Jr. trade talk

Brian Thomas Jr. isn’t going anywhere in Jacksonville anytime soon. Even with all the trade rumors swirling over the weekend, the Jaguars are sticking by their second-year receiver, despite the growing frustrations about his slow start in Liam Coen’s new offense.

The buzz intensified after Travis Hunter’s impressive performance and Thomas’s inconsistency over the first seven games. However, head coach Liam Coen put those rumors to rest on Monday. “We have no plans to move Brian Thomas,” Coen stated confidently. “I’ve got a lot of confidence in him.”

This wasn’t just a throwaway comment. Inside the Jaguars’ organization, there’s no sign that they’ve been shopping Thomas around. Sources from the league mentioned that while front offices often field calls, Jacksonville hasn’t seriously considered trading their breakout star for 2024. Coen’s firm tone echoed that same belief.

That said, the challenges are real. Thomas leads the Jaguars with 365 receiving yards and is second in catches with 27, but he’s also tied for second in the NFL with five drops. There have been times when he seemed hesitant to take contact, which raises concerns for a player expected to excel in the middle of the field.

His rookie season showcased his potential, finishing third in the league with 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. Coen even mentioned when he arrived that the new passing game would “run through Thomas.” Yet, before Week 7, he acknowledged that Hunter would start getting more looks like a top target.

For now, the Jaguars are holding steady. The focus is on adjusting Thomas’s role rather than replacing him. Jacksonville’s message is clear: their trust in Brian Thomas Jr. still outweighs any of his shortcomings.