Even though the Jacksonville Jaguars have emphatically stated that Brian Thomas Jr. isn't going anywhere, trade rumors involving the third-year receiver remain rampant. This is understandable when you take into account that the 2024 first-round pick has shown he can take over games. But precisely for that reason, the Jags want to hold onto him.
Nevertheless, teams in need of help at receiver may continue to inquire about his availability. In fact, an NFL executive believes Jacksonville could cave and trade him come draft day.
An NFL exec thinks the Jaguars could trade Brian Thomas Jr. in the NFL Draft
Mike Sando of The Athletic drew up a list of things he's hearing across the league right now. One executive told him that the Jaguars are smart for holding onto Brian Thomas Jr., pointing out that they could acquire even more draft ammo if they traded him on draft day.
"The Jaguars have 11 picks in the upcoming draft, including none in the first, but three in the third," Sando wrote. "Will they secure even more draft capital?"
Receiver Brian Thomas, who had 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie first-round pick in 2024, dipped to 48-707-2 in three fewer games under a new staff last season. 'The Brian Thomas situation is interesting,' another exec said. 'It's smart to hold onto him. He's too young to give up on that early. I could see him being moved on draft day, if people's favorite receivers get picked.'"
There's no denying that Thomas is coming off an underwhelming season, but precisely because he's shown he can be a vertical threat that can take over games, his name continues to be brought up in trade rumors.
In fact, the Cleveland Browns have become a trendy landing spot for Thomas because they have two first-round picks, their own and the 24th overall, which they acquired as part of the Travis Hunter trade last year.
The New York Jets have also become another feasible destination for the former LSU Tiger. Just recently, Rich Cimini of ESPN noted that the Jets are looking for a veteran wideout who could line up opposite Garrett Wilson. Thomas was named among their potential trade targets. Before that, Connor Hughes of SNYtv had reported that New York had engaged in talks with the Jags at the 2025 deadline.
Simply put, teams and analysts across the league recognize Thomas' talent, which is why the Jaguars have made it clear that they're not shopping him. Think about it from their perspective. If other clubs badly want to acquire the 2024 first-round pick, it's for a reason, so maybe Jacksonville should hold onto him.
Why would the Jaguars trade Brian Thomas Jr.?
With Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, and Travis Hunter in the mix, the Jaguars could afford to trade Brian Thomas Jr. On the other hand, they may want to keep him around even though he's coming off a down season because of his success as a rookie.
The former LSU Tiger has already proven he can play at a high level, so he could bounce back in 2026. Couple that with the fact that he's got affordable cap hits each of the two years, and it's easy to see why Jacksonville is reluctant to deal him.
That said, if a team offered a first-round pick in this upcoming draft, the Jags could reconsider their stance. Both the Browns and New York may be willing to meet Jacksonville's asking price.
You should always expect the unexpected in the NFL, and while the Jaguars plan to keep Brian Thomas Jr. in 2026, don't forget that plans can change.