After getting benched in the second half of the 34-31 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 6, Brian Thomas Jr. is once again at the center of trade speculation. While the Jacksonville Jaguars have made it clear that they're not interested in moving him, it's hard to see the 2024 first-round pick being part of their future. If the Jags change their mind and make him available, though, several teams could emerge as realistic landing spots.
The Kansas City Chiefs could most definitely use Thomas. The same is true for the Las Vegas Raiders and the Buffalo Bills. However, trading him within the AFC may not be the best course of action unless a club makes an offer that's too good to pass up. Moreover, there may also be a handful of teams in the NFC that could set their sights on No. 7 if he's suddenly available.
If Jacksonville wanted to trade Thomas to the NFC, the Commanders just became an ideal destination.
The Commanders could use Brian Thomas Jr. amid Terry McLaurin's injury
The Washington Commanders faced the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin suffered a knee injury and was carted off the field. Hopefully, it's hard to tell just how serious the injury is, but Washington doesn't have many options at receiver aside from rookie Antonio Williams.
The Commanders are 1-4-1 following the loss to the Niners. If they're not ready to punt on the season, trading for Brian Thomas Jr. would be a logical option. Keep in mind that Washington has previously been brougth up as a destination for the Walker, Louisiana native, and understandably so.
Leaving aside that Thomas would get a fresh start with the Commanders, he would be reunited with Jayden Daniels, his quarterback at LSU.
Just recently, the Houston Texans traded for Marvin Harrison Jr., reuniting him with former Ohio State teammate C.J. Stroud. The two quickly clicked again, and Harrison went on to catch a solid three passes for 34 yards in limited playing time just days after landing in Houston. Thomas could also benefit from playing with Daniels again.
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What would it take for the Jaguars to trade Brian Thomas Jr. to the Commanders
The Texans gave up a second-round pick for Marvin Harrison Jr. despite the fact that he had five catches for 85 yards with one touchdown in four games this season. Given that Brian Thomas Jr. has been a more successful receiver at the NFL level than Harrison, he could also command a second or even a first-round pick in spite of his struggles.
And that's the thing, it doesn't make sense for the Jaguars to trade Thomas unless a team forks out at least a second. Sure, he's struggled with drops and inconsistency, but he's still on his rookie deal, so keeping him around isn't cost-prohibitive and is a better option than exchanging him for a Day 3 selection.
It's worth noting that the Jags will face the Commanders later this season, so they would have to face Thomas if they traded him to Washington. Then again, if they did, that's probably because they don't think he'll be a threat.
Either way, the Jaguars are headed into their BYE, so they'll have ample time to ponder whether they're ready to move on from Brian Thomas Jr. If they are, several teams should come calling, including the Commanders.
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