Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.
Getty
Giants might be forced to pivot from potential Brian Thomas Jr. trade.
In the midst of their flurry of free agent signings, the New York Giants have found themselves tied up in trade rumors as well. However, according to recent developments, the front office might not get the chance to add another Pro-Bowler to the roster.
Earlier this week, reports emerged linking the Giants to wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. After a sophomore season that saw his production decline, there were expectations that the Jacksonville Jaguars were entertaining trade calls for the young wideout.
While speaking with the media on March 12th, Jaguars general manager James Gladstone addressed the latest chatter around Thomas. He dismissed any notion of him being moved this offseason, calling him a crucial piece of their offense.
“We have no interest in disrupting the momentum,” Gladstone said. ““It can be very strange. I care more for what weight that could put on Brian himself. When it’s fraudulent claims you just keep your mind on what you can focus on.”
More Jaguars GM James Gladstone on Brian Thomas trade rumors: “It can be very strange. I care more for what weight that could put on Brian himself.”
“When it's fraudulent claims you just keep your mind on what you can focus on." https://t.co/oTDGWa7lyw
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 12, 2026
In light of these remarks, it’s unlikely the Giants will get an opportunity to pair Thomas with their own dynamic young receiver in Malik Nabers.
Giants Could Pivot to NFL Draft in Search of Wide Receiver Depth
While it appears Thomas isn’t as available as rumors might indicate, there are other ways for them to improve at the wide receiver position. One of them being the NFL Draft.
This year, New York finds itself with the fifth overall selection. According to recent mock drafts, there are a handful of prospects they could have their eyes on. Among them is a standout receiver in Carnell Tate.
Almost two years removed from helping Ohio State win a national championship, Tate is now seen as one of the top WR prospects in the 2026 draft. He’s steadily improved over the course of his college career, notching 875 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
If the Giants are adamant about giving Jaxson Dart as many viable weapons as possible, Tate could certainly be on their radar when it comes time to pick at No. 5.
Giants Add Another Wide Receiver in Free Agency
Since free agency officially kicked off on Monday, the Giants have inked deals with countless players to fill out the roster for the 2026 campaign. On March 12th, the front office made its latest addition to the wide receiver corps.
Insider Connor Hughes reported that the Giants have worked out a one-year deal with wideout Calvin Austin. $100,000 of his $1.5 deal is guaranteed, but that number could jump to over four million with performance incentives.
Hughes also noted that this move primarily has to do with special teams. Austin is expected to compete for the starting job at punt returner, but could also get snaps at WR.
Connor Hughes
Sources: The #Giants 1-year deal with WR Calvin Austin is worth $1.5 million, including around $100k guaranteed.
Incentives can get it to $4.5m.
The Giants expect Austin to compete for their PR job, in addition to contributing as a receiver.
He caught 31 passes for 372
Austin, a former fourth-round pick, spent the first three years of his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is fresh off a 2025 campaign where he racked up 372 receiving yards and three touchdowns across 14 appearances.
Now, Austin embarks on a new journey where he’ll attempt to carve out a role for himself on an up-and-coming Giants team.