Dating back to last season, Brian Thomas Jr. has been the subject of trade rumors, and understandably so. Expected to take his game to the next level after a jaw-dropping rookie campaign, the 2024 first-round pick instead struggled with drops and inconsistency. Couple that with the arrival of Jakobi Meyers, and it looked like the Jacksonville Jaguars could move on from him. However, that's not the case.
While there's still been trade chatter about Thomas, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports that it would be shocking if Jacksonville moved on from him, effectively ending the speculation about his future in Duval.
Jonathan Jones reports that it would be shocking if the Jaguars traded Brian Thomas Jr.
One day before the start of the teampering period, Jonathan Jones took to Twitter to say that the Jaguars value Brian Thomas Jr. Here's the skinny.
"Considering how the Jaguars offense flourished down the stretch, it would be a surprise if JAX dealt WR Brian Thomas Jr.," Jones wrote. "There's been speculation that they could move him, but the Jags value the 2024 first-rounder."
Jones isn't outright saying that the Jaguars WON'T trade Thomas but points out that the odds are substantially lower than originally thought. Maybe if the team made an enticing offer, Jacksonville might consider getting a deal done, but that hasn't seemingly been the case.
Although Thomas hauled "just" 48 receptions for 707 yards with two touchdowns in 2025, he took the league by storm the year prior, catching 82 passes for 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns. Couple that with the fact that the former LSU Tiger has three years left on his rookie deal, and it's easy to see why the Jags want to keep him around.
The Jaguars surely think Brian Thomas Jr. can bounce back
The Jaguars don't have a first-round pick in 2026 after trading up for two-way star Travis Hunter last year. It would be huge if they could get one in exchange for Brian Thomas Jr., as they would be able to address one of their many needs on defense. Having said that, having him around is equally helpful.
After all, Thomas possesses deep threat capabilities that nobody else on their roster offers. Granted, he's coming off an underwhelming season, but progress isn't linear, and there's a chance he'll bounce back. After all, he's still the same talented player he was in 2024. With him stretching the field, Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, and tight end Brenton Strange should have no trouble finding more favorable matchups.
It's also worth noting that Hunter will play cornerback full-time next season. Trading Thomas would leave the offense devoid of playmakers.
Furthermore, Washington is entering a contract year. If he left in 2027, and the Jaguars traded Thomas, the team's brass would be tasked with replacing not one but two receivers.
When you add it all up, it's easy to see why the Jaguars aren't interested in trading Brian Thomas Jr. Again, getting a first-round pick — if anyone offered one — in return for him would be tempting, but it would also create a need that doesn't currently exist.