JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Brian Thomas Jr. was all by himself.
He wasn't supposed to be, but the defensive back hesitated for a half second and that's all it took for Thomas to run past. Then it was an easy catch of the deep throw by Trevor Lawrence for a touchdown.
And it didn't happen just once, but multiple times during the Jacksonville Jaguars' two OTA practices that were open to the media.
That's one encouraging sign that Thomas and Lawrence may have finally developed the chemistry they've been talking about for more than a year. It also could be a very early indication that Thomas, the subject of numerous offseason trade rumors, could be headed for a bounce-back season.
"With all the better or great quarterbacks and the wide receiver, I feel like they had great chemistry," Thomas said earlier this week. "Just the quarterback knowing where the wide receiver's going to be at certain times and at certain points. Knowing that he can rely on them and trust them to go be there at a certain time when he needs them to be there."
Trevor Lawrence was an MVP finalist in 2025 despite struggling to establish a strong connection with Brian Thomas Jr. on the field. David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire It has taken a while for Thomas and Lawrence to get to this point. Lawrence missed seven games -- including the last five -- in Thomas' rookie season (2024) because of a concussion and shoulder injury, and it wasn't until after Lawrence left the field after sustaining the concussion in Week 13 that the Jaguars made Thomas the focal point of the pass game (double-digit targets in the final six games) with backup quarterback Mac Jones.
Thomas and Lawrence were both learning new head coach Liam Coen's offense and Lawrence's throwing was limited because he was coming off shoulder surgery. Coen also had Lawrence change his footwork, so with all that going on during the spring and training camp the chemistry between the two didn't develop as quickly as hoped.
Thomas started the season with five drops in the first seven games, and there were several instances in which he shied away from contact in the middle of the field. He also missed four games with ankle and shoulder injuries. As a result, he finished with 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns, a significant drop-off from his rookie season (87 catches, 1,282 yards, 10 TDs).
All of that, however, has played a role in Thomas' resurgent spring and the improved chemistry between him and Lawrence, Coen said.