Before the Baltimore Ravens traded for Maxx Crosby and subsequently reneged on the deal, the Jacksonville Jaguars were also interested in acquiring the five-time Pro Bowl nod. This makes sense, as he would've turned their pass rushers into one of the most ferocious in the whole NFL. However, the Jags didn't have the assets to pull it off. In particular, they lacked a first-round pick in 2026, which would've been pivotal to get it done.
Crosby is back with the Raiders, and it doesn't look like they'll be shopping him again. Having said that, James Palmer of Bleacher Report recently shared details about Jacksonville's failed pursuit of "the Condor."
The Jaguars might've included Brian Thomas Jr. in a trade for Maxx Crosby
James Palmer made an apperance on Steven Smith Sr.'s podcast. He said that Brian Thomas Jr. has indeed come up in trade chatter dating back to the 2025 deadline, noting that he might've been part of the package the Jags were offering in exchange for Maxx Crosby. Here's the skinny.
"So even though our boy Shefty — and I love Adam. I think he's outstanding. What he does, he's the best in the business — says that he is not on the trade block. They are not shopping him," Palmer told Smith. "I would just say this. I don't think it's incorrect that I heard his name multiple times at the trade deadline in the 2025 season, when they were looking to move at the trade deadline.
Palmer continued, "I don't think it's false that I heard his name coming up in terms of trades in this opening up into the league year. I do believe that they were in on Maxx Crosby. They weren't even close because they didn't have that first-round pick that they gave up for Travis Hunter. But I have a hunch that Brian Thomas Junior was part of their package that they were offering."
For context, Adam Schefter denied that a report that the Jags were entertaining trade talks involving Thomas. Not long after, James Gladstone stated that any rumor suggesting they were shopping the 2024 first-round pick were fraudulent.
A first-round pick in 2024, Thomas hauled in 82 receptions for 1,282 yards in his rookie season. However, he was inconsistent and dealt with drops last year. When you factor in Parker Washington's breakout and the arrival of Jakobi Meyers, it's easy to see why teams would inquire about the former LSU Tiger's availability, as Jacksonville could seemingly afford to shop him.
The Jaguars have options to bolster the pass rush after their failed Maxx Crosby pursuit
If Maxx Crosby had joined Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, the Jacksonville defensive front would've been close to unstoppable. But that ship has sailed, and the Jaguars still need to make upgrades to their pass rush. Sure, the interior defensive line is a bigger priority, but they could also use a No. 3 behind Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.
The Jags could try to trade for Josh Sweat. On the other hand, the draft is stacked with pass-rush prospects, so they could easily come out of Round 3 with a game-altering talent.
Either wa, the Jaguars have options to bolster the pass rush even after missing out on Maxx Crosby. Moreover, they got to keep Brian Thomas Jr. should they're in good shape going into the offseason.