No-brainer Brian Thomas Jr-Jaguars trade idea is too good for Steelers to refuse

At the 2025 deadline, speculation emerged that the Jacksonville Jaguars were listening to trade offers for Brian Thomas Jr. At the time, it made sense. After all, he took the league by storm as a rookie but dealt with a sophomore slump early in the regular season. Ultimately, head coach Liam Coen made it abundantly clear that the Jags weren't moving on from the former LSU Tiger, and went on to have a solid end to the year.

However, Jacksonville also brought in Jakobi Meyers and gave him a three-year, $60 million deal not long after. Couple that with two-way star Travis Hunter's return and the emergence of Parker Washington, and nobody would bat an eye if Thomas lands on the trade block in the offseason.

The Steelers need to call the Jaguars about Brian Thomas Jr.

Not long after the loss to the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs, Benjamin Solak of ESPN predicted that Brian Thomas Jr. could generate trade interest, noting that the Jaguars probably won't deal him but will still field phone calls. They have a crowded wide receiver corps ahead of the offseason, so it wouldn't be surprising if they entertain inquiries.

If the Jags do consider listening to offers for Thomas, there would be several viable trade destinations. That said, the best landing spot would probably be the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mike Tomlin just left the Steelers after being their head coach since 2007. They will need to move quick to find his replacement, but even if he had stayed, wide receiver is a glaring need in Pittsburgh.

Although the Steelers traded for DK Metcalf after sending George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, they still need reinforcements at receiver. Calvin Austin III, Adam Thielen, and Scotty Miller are slated to be free agents, so Pittsburgh will need to bolster the position. Thomas would immediately give them a massive boost.

Thomas hauled in 48 receptions for 707 yards with two touchdowns in 2025. The year prior, he caught 82 passes for 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns. It's hard to tell what his value is right now, but if there's demand for him, maybe the Jaguars could get a first-round pick. If he doesn't have many sutors, maybe a second and a Day 3 selection could get the job done.

The Steelers have the 21st overall selection in 2026, their second, and seven selections from Rounds 4 to 7, so they could most definitely put together a package to land Thomas (possibly a second and a fourth). He would immediately give them a serious threat regardless of who starts at quarterback and who's the head coach next season.

Related: 5 players who probably won't be back in Jacksonville in 2026

It would make sense for the Jaguars to trade Brian Thomas Jr.

Travis Hunter underwent season-ending surgery last year but showed playmaking skills before injuring his knee. Jakobi Meyers proved to be a reliable pass catcher in the middle of the field, and Parker Washington showed he can excel in a featured role.

While you can never have too many good players, there may no longer be room for Thomas in Jacksonville. The fact that the coaching staff never made him the focal point of the offseason in 2025 could be a sign that the new regime isn't particularly high on him.

Of course, Thomas could build off his solid end to the season. That would turn the Jacksonville wide receiver corps into one of the best in the league. That said, the Jaguars need to address a handful of needs, and whatever compensation they get for him would allow them to make upgrades to other position groups.