Even though Brian Thomas Jr. had a dip in production last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars made it clear that he's part of their plans in 2026. This isn't necessarily surprising when you take into account that he gives the offense an element of verticality that few other receivers can recreate.
Moreover, Thomas was one of the hottest receivers in the NFL as recently as 2024, hauling in 82 receptions for 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns. That's why it's easy to see why the Jags want to hold on to him despite the fact that they have Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter, and Parker Washington in the fold.
Having said that, the surplus at the position could lead Jacksonville to entertain offers for the 2024 first-round pick, and if the team's brass does put him on the trade block, he could garner significant interest. After all, he has a 1,000-yard season under his belt and two more years left on his rookie deal. Teams in need of help at receiver could offer a second or even a first. These four, in particular, could come in calling.
Trade destination No. 1 for Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. - Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL, but their offense could use upgrades at virtually every position group. Once they hire a head coach, they'll turn their attention to the roster, and wide receiver, along with the quarterback, will probably be among their top priorities.
Jerry Jeudy led all Browns receivers with 50 receptions, but tight end Harold Fannin had a team-best 72 catches while running back Dylan Sampson ranked third with 33 catches. Simply put, Cleveland needs reinforcements at receiver, and Brian Thomas Jr. would give them a serious threat opposite Jeudy.
Trade destination No. 2 for Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. - Tennessee Titans
Trades within the division are rare, but not unheard of. Just last offseason, James Gladstone sent Christian Kirk to the Houston Texans, so it's fair to say that he would be willing to trade Brian Thomas Jr. to another AFC South. In this case, the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans are undergoing a rebuild under general manager Mike Borgonzi, and getting sophomore Cam Ward better weapons will surely be one of his top priorities. Tennessee has the talented, yet inconsistent Calvin Ridley in the fold, but the rest of their wide receiver corps leaves much to be desired. Brian Thomas Jr. could change that.
Trade destination No. 3 for Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. - New Orleans Saints
Like other teams on this list, the New Orleans Saints have a talented wide receiver: Chris Olave. But the Saints need to get sophomore Tyler Shough more help if they want him to keep making strides in his sophomore campaign. Brian Thomas Jr. would be their ideal trade target because he's still on his rookie deal, and they aren't in great cap shape.
Furthermore, general manager Mickey Loomis has shown a penchant for making trades. Heck, last year, he acquired center Luke Fortner from the Jags in exchange for defensive tackle Khalen Saunders Sr., so it's clear that he's open to business with James Gladstone.
Trade destination No. 4 for Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. - Pittsburgh Steelers
This was supposed to be a relatively quiet hiring cycle. But then, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens moved on from Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh, respectively. Both teams are still looking for a replacement, and once the Steelers find one, making upgrades at receiver will be among the top tasks in the offseason.
Calvin Austin and Scotty Miller are slated to become free agents, while Adam Thielen called it quits. Brian Thomas Jr. could give the Steelers' wide receiver room a much-needed infusion of talent.