Parker Washington has quickly become one of Trevor Lawrence’s most trusted weapons for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and his latest performance has him drawing comparisons to one of the toughest receivers of his generation.
Washington was the star of Jacksonville’s 19-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. He caught six passes for 124 yards and accounted for both of the Jaguars’ touchdowns, starting with a 51-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter.
His second score was the one that got everyone talking. Facing fourth-and-5 with 3:20 remaining, Lawrence fired a 27-yard pass to Washington, who hauled it in with one hand over cornerback Riq Woolen to give Jacksonville a 16-14 lead.
On ESPN’s “NFL Live,” Mina Kimes and the crew broke down the play, with Kimes praising the aggressiveness that head coach Liam Coen has instilled in his quarterback since arriving last season.
“I love that he still trusted Parker Washington enough to throw it downfield for that incredible catch,” Kimes said.
“I love that he still trusted Parker Washington enough to throw it down field for that incredible catch.” @minakimes and the NFL Live crew discuss Parker Washington drawing Steve Smith comparisons in Jacksonville 👀 pic.twitter.com/2w7vslNb9c
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 13, 2026
Marcus Spears pointed out that Washington’s frame is not the typical build for contested catches, which made Lawrence’s willingness to give him a chance even more telling.
“Your size doesn’t lend itself to 50-50 balls, and Trevor just throws that mug anyway,” Spears said. “He’s so tough. Steve Smith, to me.”
The comparison to the former Carolina Panthers star, a five-time Pro Bowler known for his stocky frame and fearless style, was quickly seconded.
Article Continues Below“I literally was just about to say Steve,” came the reply on set. “Not as much of an edge, but just that stocky body.”
Washington has been building toward this kind of breakout. Through five games, he has 22 catches for 352 yards and four touchdowns, establishing himself as Lawrence’s top downfield option.
His big day also helped keep Jacksonville rolling. Cam Little drilled a 57-yard field goal as time expired to win it, improving the Jaguars to 4-1 and keeping them atop the AFC South. Jacksonville is now 12-1 over its last 13 games, according to ESPN.
The Jaguars will stay in London for Week 6, where they will face the Houston Texans in a key division matchup.

