Brian Thomas Jr.
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This trade pitch would see the Raiders acquire Brian Thomas Jr. from the Jaguars
The Las Vegas Raiders have been hard at work this offseason, revamping their organization from top to bottom. While it may be a while before the team is competing for Super Bowls again, the Raiders have taken several positive steps in the right direction over the past few weeks, and they figure to take another big one in the 2026 NFL Draft, as they are widely expected to draft star quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza.
There’s no guarantee that Mendoza will start right out of the gate for Las Vegas (especially in the wake of the Kirk Cousins signing), but regardless of who plays quarterback for the team, they are going to need some more help at the wide receiver position. One guy who could be available on the trade market is Jacksonville Jaguars star Brian Thomas Jr., so let’s check out a trade pitch that would see him land with the Raiders.
Raiders’ Brian Thomas Jr. Trade Pitch
Raiders receive: WR Brian Thomas Jr.
Jaguars receive: 2026 second-round pick (No. 36 overall)
The Jaguars selected Thomas with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he immediately starred for his new team as a rookie. Thomas played in all 17 games, racking up 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns, which earned him a Pro Bowl selection. And yet, in 2025, Thomas looked like a shell of himself as he caught just 48 passes for 707 yards and two scores.
Thomas ended up playing second fiddle in the passing game to Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers down the stretch of the season, leading to his name popping up in trade rumors. Admittedly, Thomas struggled with injuries throughout the year, but he had a handful of drops, and there were several plays where he appeared to give up on catchable passes from quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
There’s no doubt Thomas is still a talented playmaker, which could appeal to a team like the Raiders if the Jags decide to look into moving him. Sure, a high second-round pick is a steep price to pay for a guy who struggled last year, but at his best, Thomas is a top-10 wide receiver in the league, and he’s still on his rookie contract, which makes him even more appealing to front offices across the league.
Would the Raiders, Jaguars Be Interested in This Brian Thomas Jr. Trade Pitch?
Brian Thomas Jr.
GettyJACKSONVILLE, 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 Raiders have weapons on offense with Ashton Jeanty at running back and Brock Bowers at tight end, but the wide receiver depth chart is pretty desolate, with Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor leading the way. With that being said, Las Vegas would gladly give up a second-round pick in exchange for Thomas, as he would immediately become its No. 1 wide receiver moving forward.
On the other hand, the Jaguars are more complicated. Thomas endured a very strange season in 2025, but he’s still only 23 years old and playing on a cheap rookie contract. Unless the Jags get an offer they can’t refuse, there’s little incentive for them to move on from Thomas. Unfortunately for the Raiders, this likely wouldn’t be enough to get Jacksonville to part ways with its 2024 first-round pick.