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Kansas City Chiefs Linked to Possible Trade for $14 Million Former First-Rounder

Brian Thomas Jr. #7 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after a touchdown during the second quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Stadium on January 11, 2026

Trade speculation surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs continues as the team looks to strengthen its offensive weapons around quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

One proposed deal circulating among insiders suggests Kansas City could pursue Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in exchange for the No. 40pick in the second round of the NFL Draft.

While the idea remains speculative, the possibility reflects Kansas City’s ongoing search for skill position talent and the leaguewide attention surrounding Thomas’ potential.

Chiefs Trade Proposal Links Kansas City to Brian Thomas Jr.

Polymarket Football

The Brian Thomas Jr trade rumors are heating up 😳

According to a proposed trade scenario by a Heavy insider, the Chiefs could send the No. 40 overall selection to Jacksonville in exchange for Thomas.

Kansas City enters the upcoming season with Mahomes expected to return healthy and the team working to strengthen its offensive lineup. Adding a receiver with Thomas’ profile could provide a vertical threat in head coach Andy Reid’s offense.

Thomas, 23, was selected by Jacksonville with the No. 23 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and quickly produced during his rookie campaign. He earned Pro Bowl recognition after recording more than 1,200 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns during that first season.

Although his production dipped slightly during the 2025 season, Thomas still demonstrated his ability as adeep threat. His speed and size allow him to win on vertical routes, including go routes and deep posts, creating stress on opposing defenses.

A receiver with that skill set could complement Kansas City’s offensive system, which often relies on motion and spacing to stretch defenses across the field.

The Chiefs currently hold two additional first-round selections at No. 9 and No. 29, which could allow the team to address other roster needs, such as defensive line, secondary, or running back, while potentially adding a receiver through trade.

Jaguars Insider Report Casts Doubt on Brian Thomas Jr. Trade

Underdog NFL

Brian Thomas Jr. unlikely to be traded by the Jaguars, per @jjones9.

Despite the speculation, Jacksonville does not appear eager to move Thomas.

NFL insider Jonathan Jones reported that the Jaguars have no plans to trade the wide receiver as free agency approaches.

“Considering how the Jaguars offense flourished down the stretch, it would be a surprise if JAX dealt WR Brian Thomas Jr. There’s been speculation that they could move him, but the Jags value the 2024 first rounder,” he wrote on X.

Thomas finished the 2025 season with 707 receiving yards and two touchdowns while emerging as a key deep threat in the Jaguars’ passing attack.

The receiver also developed strong chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence during the final months of the season as Jacksonville pushed for a playoff spot.

Jones reported that the Jaguars’ front office sees Thomas as an important building block rather than a trade candidate.

Chiefs Continue Searching for Offensive Weapons

Even with the Jaguars’ current stance, speculation about Thomas persists, given the Chiefs’ well-known pursuit of offensive playmakers.

Kansas City has consistently adapted its offense around Mahomes. Reid’s scheme emphasizes versatility and explosive plays, particularly through receivers who can challenge defenses deep.

A player with Thomas’ combination of size, speed, and youth would provide another dimension to the offense if such a deal ever materialized.

For now, the proposed trade remains hypothetical. While Jacksonville appears committed to keeping Thomas, the ongoing speculation highlights the continued demand for young, high-upside receivers capable of transforming an offense.

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