The New England Patriots are in a very good position heading into the 2026 season. They have an MVP candidate at the quarterback position on a rookie deal, and are returning almost all of their key starters. This puts them in a spot to take a huge swing on a potential trade. A name that is very exciting to discuss is Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who is also still on a rookie contract. He had a down year this past season, and there were rumors around the trade deadline that he was available via trade. This was very shocking considering he had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory just a couple years ago. If the Patriots can land Drake Maye a true downfield threat in Thomas Jr., we could see this offense go absolutely nuclear. So let’s dive in.
What could Thomas Jr. bring to the Patriots offense?
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Sep 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) reacts after scoring on a 9-yard touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
If the Patriots can land Thomas Jr., it would have a massive impact on their offense. His speed and route running, makes him one of the best big play threats in the NFL. Don’t let his down season in 2025 fool you, he is still one of the league’s young stars at the receiver position. A move like this could unlock the full potential of this offense. The Patriots offense struggled with not having a true downfield threat in 2025, especially in the Super Bowl. Two of the top priorities this off-season should be bolstering the offensive line, and giving Drake Maye a true number one weapon he can grow and develop with. Thomas Jr. would be the perfect fit, not only for the Patriots, but for him as well. It looks like he could use a change of scenery to get his career back on track, and to get back to the player he was as a rookie. If the New England front office can pull off a trade for Thomas Jr., fans everywhere can be optimistic that this team will be in for another deep playoff run.
Pairing Thomas Jr. and Stefon Diggs
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Dec 21, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs had a great year in New England, but for most of the playoffs, opposing defenses game planned and pretty much eliminated him from contributing. It was clear that the Patriots needed another real weapon to take some of the attention off of Diggs. Brian Thomas Jr. could be the perfect addition. He is a coverage dictating receiver that demands attention, which could give Diggs some more favorable matchups. Having to account for multiple threats would put a lot of stress on opposing defenses, and would make Drake Maye’s life a lot easier. He would now have more than one weapon he can go to on a “need it” type of play, and Diggs could thrive in the chain mover role, while Thomas Jr. could be the deep ball threat. Picturing Diggs and Thomas Jr. in the same offense, is something that should get fans very excited, and could turn into one of the better duos in the league.
What would the Patriots have to do to land Thomas Jr.?
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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]
The Patriots are in a pretty good place with eleven total draft picks in 2026, so what would they have to send to Jacksonville to acquire the star receiver? It is likely that New England would have to send their first round pick for Thomas Jr., which I believe is worth it. The question they have to ask themselves is, “can we get a better player at pick 31 than Thomas Jr.?”. I think the answer is no. He would likely be a top ten pick in this year’s draft, so sending pick 31 shouldn’t bother New England at all. The only hesitation should be if the Jaguars want a package of multiple high draft picks, however, if the price is right, the Patriots should immediately make the call.