The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the offseason with a handful of needs to address. On the other hand, they have depth and talent at several positions. One of them is wide receiver.
The Jags built a well-rounded receiver unit last year, adding Travis Hunter, Tim Patrick, Dyami Brown, and Jakobi Meyers to a group that already included Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr. Both Brown and Patrick are scheduled to become free agents, but even if they leave, Jacksonville will still be stacked at the position.
In fact, Washington's breakout season and trade for Meyer have led to speculation about Thomas' future in Jacksonville. Head coach Liam Coen has made it clear that the 2024 first-round pick is 100 percent part of the team's plans. But if the Jaguars do place him on the trade block, an NFC team has suddenly been named as a potential landing spot.
The 49ers were just named a trade destination for Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report drew up a list of trade targets for each NFL team and named the San Francisco 49ers a potential landing spot for Brian Thomas Jr., noting that he would be the perfect replacement for Brandon Aiyuk once San Francisco releases him.
"Aiyuk is likely on his way out after the organization voided the guarantees in his contract," Ballentine wrote. "Brian Thomas Jr. would be a similar target. His role was reduced for the Jaguars in his second season. He would still command a good trade package based on his rookie season, but the 49ers would have a new No. 1 receiver on a rookie contract."
For clarity, the Niners gave Aiyuk a four-year extension worth $120 milllion in 2024. That year, he tore his ACL and missed a good chunk of the season. The injury led to a rocky situation between him and San Francisco because he refused to rehab at the team's facilities and didn't stay in touch.
Aiyuk's relationship with the 49ers soured to the point that they voided the guarantees on his deal. Now, his release seems inevitable, which will leave a void at receiver. Sure, San Francisco has Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall in the mix, but neither is a true No. 1. That's where Thomas would come in handy.
Thomas was somewhat underwhelming in 2025, registering 48 receptions for 707 yards with two touchdowns. However, he hauled in 82 receptions for 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns the season prior. Precisely because of his success in 2024, the former LSU Tiger was the subject of trade chatter at the deadline last year. Nobody would bat an eye if teams get in touch with the Jags this offseason and make inquiries about him again.
Why the Jaguars could trade Brian Thomas Jr.
Parker Washington was more productive than Brian Thomas Jr. last year. Similarly, Jakobi Meyers proved to be a better fit in Liam Coen's offense than him. Couple that with Travis Hunter's expected return from the LCL injury he sustained last year, and it's possible that Thomas won't be the No. 1 in Jacksonville next season. That, in turn, could make him an appealing trade chip.
Of course, the Jags would love to have him back, as he gives the offense a deep threat that draws coverage away from his teammates and leaves them with favorable matchups. On the other hand, it may not make sense to keep him around if he won't have a featured role moving forward.
With two years left on his rookie deal (and his fifth-year option), Thomas could net Jacksonville a second-round pick, and even a first. The Jags could then use that selection to address other pressing needs on the roster, such as cornerback or the defensive line. And the 49ers would be an ideal trade partner, because Jacksonville wouldn't have to play them often.
Would it hurt to trade Brian Thomas Jr.? You bet, but if he can help the Jaguars address the larger scale roster, you can bet that general manager James Gladstone won't hesitate to put him on the trade block.