Brian Thomas Jr.
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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 07: Brian Thomas Jr. #7 of the Jacksonville Jaguars reacts after scoring a second quarter touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the game at EverBank Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders could find projected top overall pick Fernando Mendoza’s No. 1 wide receiver in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
According to NFL insider Connor Hughes, the Jaguars are “entertaining offers” for Thomas.
“SOURCES: The#Jaguars are entertaining offers for WR Brian Thomas,@snytvhas learned.
Both the#Jets &#Giants explored Thomas at the traded deadline last year, but Jacksonville wasn’t willing to do any deal.
That stance has changed.
Thomas had a down 2025 (48 catches, 707 yards, 2 TDs), but was tremendous as a rookie (87-1,282-10 TD)”
Now that Thomas is an option, the Raiders could find their WR1 in a potential trade.
Trade Pitch Lands Raiders Brian Thomas Jr.
It’s unclear what the Jaguars’ asking price would be for Thomas, but for a former 2024 first-round pick, it won’t be cheap.
The main reason why the Jaguars would be open to trading him away is due to a lack of chemistry and an unclear role on offense. After having a tremendous rookie campaign where Thomas racked up 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns, he had just 48 catches for 707 yards and two TDs the following year.
“The Jaguars have already extended Meyers, and Hunter and Washington are both set to return in 2026,” Jack McKessy of USA Today wrote. “After a troubled 2025, Thomas’ target share in Jacksonville could continue to shrink in his third season.”
The talent is there with Thomas. Not just that, but he will be on a team-friendly deal for two more years with a cap hit of just $3.9 million and $4.6 million in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
More on Thomas
Ted Nguyen of The Athletic appeared on the Just Win Pod back when the whole Maxx Crosby sweepstakes was happening and noted that the Jaguars offered Thomas in a deal for Crosby. He also added, however, that his sources were not definitive on that claim.
What is true is that, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Jaguars “were another team trying to put together a big trade package” for Crosby.
Since the Jaguars don’t have a first-round pick this year, adding a player like Thomas is a likely possibility in that package for Crosby.
Regardless, even with the Raiders signing former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor on a three-year, $35 million deal, he’s not coming to Las Vegas to be the alpha wide receiver.
Thomas can be that alpha wide receiver for Las Vegas, and he likely just needs a change of scenery to get his confidence back up. If the Raiders can manage to send a Day 2 pick and an additional mid-round pick or a player, adding Thomas to the receiving core could be a huge boost for Mendoza and the rest of the offense.