Parker

Washington

Coen praised Washington’s play in the second half of last season, noting that the 24-year-old former sixth-round pick had been a consistent, dominating presence. He went on to specifically mention getting the ball in Washington’s hands, the screen game, jet sweeps and the complete route tree as areas where Washington could take another step this season. The positive drumbeat continues this offseason for one of 2025’s breakout stars.

When asked about expectations for Washington, Udinski said he thinks “really, really highly” of the 24-year-old wideout. Washington tallied 19 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns in the final three games of the 2025 regular season, leading all Jaguars wide receivers over that span. Jaguars beat writer John Shipley said he looked like “arguably the best player on the field today” when discussing Tuesday’s practice. With Udinski also speaking highly of him, the arrow is pointing up for Washington’s utilization in 2026.

This theoretical contract would include $25 million guaranteed. Earlier this offseason, Shipley said that the four-year, $78 million contract with $38 million guaranteed signed by Titans WR Wan’Dale Robinson “makes sense.” In his most recent projection, Shipley accounts for Washington’s value as a returner by referencing the contracts signed by Packers WR Jayden Reed and Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed. Both players got three-year deals that were more front-loaded than the earlier projection. Reed’s deal is worth $50.25 million with $20 million guaranteed. Shaheed’s is worth $51 million with $34.7 million guaranteed. Shipley believes Washington could surpass that number, with a good year, if the Jaguars allow him to test free agency next offseason.

Harvey is among the Jaguars beats who appear deeply skeptical of a recent report about the team trading BTJ for A.J. Brown in the coming weeks. Brown, long unhappy with his usage in the Eagles offense, remains a favorite to land with New England this summer. “Why would the Jags trade for a player who wants to always be targeted when their offense does not have a No. 1 WR by design?” Harvey said, referring to the mercurial Brown. “And they’re loading up to deploy more tight ends and Parker Washington is set for an extension and they just gave Jakobi Meyers one and they aren’t trading BTJ.” After going for nearly 1,300 yards and ten touchdowns as a rookie in 2024, Thomas fell off big time in 2025, finishing the season with 707 yards and two scores and operating as the third or fourth option in the Jags’ pass-catching pecking order. It would be a stunner if the Jaguars were to give up on Thomas, 23, after one down year.

NFL reporters and commentators who have suggested the Jaguars will shift Hunter to play mostly cornerback in 2026 and beyond are “completely misrepresenting” comments made by general manager James Gladstone and other front office officials, Shipley said. A lack of “media literacy,” Shipley said, has led league observers to incorrectly believe Hunter’s time as a full-time wideout are over. “At zero point have the Jaguars ever once indicated he will not play both ways, just as he did last year,” Shipley said, adding that head coach Liam Coen has “embraced the disrespect” of reporters who intentionally misinterpret what Jacksonville’s front office says. “He will just play more cornerback.” Hunter in 2025 averaged four receptions and 42 yards per game before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 7. Hunter’s offseason and preseason usage could provide some clues as to how he will be deployed in 2026. Those discounting his role as an every-down receiver may be proven wrong if Shipley is right.

It was pointed out by John Shipley a few days ago that Wan’Dale Robinson’s free agent contract might be a starting point for the Washington extension. Walker is entering his final season under his rookie contract’s fifth-year option. Strange and Washington are both on the final year of their rookie contracts. The Jaguars have been uncharacteristically (and probably smartly, given their success last year) quiet in free agency, so perhaps they’re just focusing on locking up their core.

Robinson signed a four-year, $78 million contract in free agency. Washington is a free agent next year. Robinson’s career average receiving totals handily best Washington’s, but Shipley believes Washington has the potential to “blow Robinson’s resumé out of the water with a solid season.” Robinson cleared 130 targets and 90 receptions in consecutive seasons and totaled 1,014 yards and four touchdowns last year. Washington caught 58-of-88 targets for 847 yards and five touchdowns last year. It is his first time clearing 390 yards. That said, Washington broke out in 2025 and operated as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. At least one beat reporter believes he can carry his 2025 momentum into 2026. The Jaguars’ receiving corps pecking order is worth tracking this offseason.

Washington had been pulling away as the Jags’ No. 1 receiver leading into the postseason. He may now carry that status into 2026 after more than doubling up the team’s No. 2 wideout by targets in this game. That was despite missing some time for a concussion evaluation. Including the postseason, Washington topped 100 yards in three of his final four games. He was barely involved in the offense early in the season, but injuries to several key players, namely Travis Hunter, elevated him to a starting role. Washington never looked back and finished the season with 847 yards and five touchdowns on 58 grabs. With Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., and Jakobi Meyers all under contract for multiple years, it’s unclear how things will shake out for the receiver room in 2026. This will be one of the most debated situations for 2026 fantasy drafts.

Washington left for the locker room in the first quarter to be evaluated for a concussion. He missed multiple drives but did eventually return in the second half. Brian Thomas Jr. caught a short touchdown pass in his absence.

Washington left the game in the first quarter for the concussion evaluation. He was quickly taken to the locker room after getting shaken up. Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. would be asked to step up if Washington cannot return.