The New England Patriots have been the subject of many trade rumors as of late, and Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has apparently just become available. Thomas Jr. had one of the most impressive rookie seasons the NFL has seen, however he just hasn’t flashed the same potential in year two. NFL Insider, Dianna Russini reported that Jacksonville is listening to trade calls for their star playmaker, which was a huge shock to many around the league. Thomas Jr. is a spectacular player, and a change of scenery and scheme could be exactly what he needs. Now will the Patriots be willing to make an offer to get another weapon for Drake Maye? Let’s dive in.
Will the Patriots be interested in trading for Brian Thomas Jr.?
patriots
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) rushes for yards against New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
The Patriots offense has been firing on all cylinders this season, and after a 6-2 start, it seems like they could be serious playoff contenders. This should have a huge impact on their strategy heading into the November 4th trade deadline. With quarterback Drake Maye playing like an MVP candidate, and being on a cost controlled rookie contract, the Patriots should have no problem going all in to get stars to Foxborough. Brian Thomas Jr. was a player in the Draft that many fans hoped fell to the second round so New England could’ve paired him with Drake Maye. So, if the Jaguars star is really available, the Patriots should seriously consider moving substantial draft capital to get Thomas Jr. in the building. Maye is one of the best deep ball throwers in the entire NFL, and having one of the better down-field threats in the league in Thomas Jr., could be incredibly entertaining for years to come.
How could BTJ impact the Patriots offense?
patriots
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) corrals the ball for a touchdown score during the third quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Packers edged the Jaguars 30-27 on a last-second field goal. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Brian Thomas Jr. is a star receiver, as was shown in his rookie season when he racked up 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. These numbers are unheard of from a rookie, and it just shows how talented he is when he is being utilized in an offense. His speed and big play ability is something that Patriots Offensive Coordinator, Josh McDaniels, could use in every aspect of his offense. Whether it is targeting BTJ down the field for a shot at the end zone, or using him to draw coverage and attention from opposing defenses in order to free up other parts of the offense, there are a million different ways the Jacksonville star could benefit the Patriots. If Thomas Jr. somehow ends up in New England, it is going to be nearly impossible to stop the already red hot Patriots offense.
What could it take to get BTJ to New England?
New England Patriots, Mike Vrabel
New England Patriots Head Coach, Mike Vrabel is shown on the sideline, Thursday, August 21, 2025, in East Rutherford.
A young star like Thomas Jr. is not the type of player that is traded easily. The Jaguars are going to want a decent amount of draft capital and potentially another player as well. The good news for Patriots fans, is that New England has a good amount of draft capital and is in a great position to make an offer. If they were to offer their 2026 second round pick, a player, and potentially another day two draft pick, then a trade could be possible. Jacksonville wouldn’t be taking calls on a player if they weren’t at least considering dealing him. Which means, if Mike Vrabel and company want to go all-in while Drake Maye is on a rookie contract, they should be doing whatever it takes to get Brian Thomas Jr. in a Patriots uniform.