Just because the Jacksonville Jaguars are in the midst of their BYE doesn't mean they're taking it easy. While most teams are gearing up to play in Week 8, the Jags are looking for ways to get better behind the scenes.
Saturday morning before Game Day, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the Jags are listening to trade offers for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. This isn't necessarily surprising when you take into account that the 2024 first-round pick is struggling (drops have been an issue) after putting together a jaw-dropping rookie season. Maybe the team's brass doesn't think he'll bounce back, or perhaps the new regime doesn't see him as a fit.
Regardless of the reason, Thomas is suddenly the subject of trade chatter. This begs the question, which teams could be interested in acquiring the Pro Bowl nod? With this in mind, here are three potential destinations for the sophomore receiver.
Brian Thomas trade destination No. 1: Pittsburgh Steelers
Looking back, acquiring Aaron Rodgers was the best decision the Pittsburgh Steelers could've made in the offseason. Suddenly, they're the best team in the AFC North, and they're reportedly looking for reinforcements at wide receiver to increase their odds of making a playoff push.
The Steelers already traded for DK Metcalf earlier this year, an indication that they're not afraid to take a swing. The question would then become whether they would be willing to part ways with draft ammo or a player to get Brian Thomas Jr. Either way, Pittsburgh suddenly appears to be a landing spot for the Louisiana native.
Brian Thomas Jr. trade destination No. 2: Buffalo Bills
Bills general manager Billy Beane was heavily criticized for not addressing the wide receiver corps in the offseason. At the time, his reasoning was that he needed to bolster the defense, and Buffalo was pleased with their skill-position group.
Fast forward to Week 8, and the Bills rank fourth in the league in points scored and total yards. They may want to step on the gas pedal to ensure they make a deep playoff run. Trading or Brian Thomas Jr. would accomplish just that. With Khalil Shakur and Dalton Kincaid already in the mix, Buffalo's passing game could go from pretty good to outright dominant.
Brian Thomas Jr. trade destination No. 3: New England Patriots
It's been heavily reported that the New England Patriots are looking for wide receiver help. In particular, they've been linked to Jakobi Meyers because he used to suit up for them, but the Pats have also been linked to Jaylen Waddle, so nobody would bat an eye if they suddenly emerge as a realistic destination for Brian Thomas Jr.
Like the Jaguars, New England is an emerging team that has a new head coach in place. In their case, though, Mike Vrabel is a seasoned veteran, not a rookie like Liam Coen. With Vrabel leading the way, it looks like the Patriots are in win-mode now, and Thomas could be the missing piece to propel them to the postseason.