Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was the subject of trade rumors this offseason, but the team was never interested in moving the 2024 first-round pick.
Thomas, 23, posted 1,282 receiving yards as a rookie but saw his production drop significantly the following season. That was partially due to a few injuries that sidelined him for three games and lingered into the offseason, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Teams inquired about Thomas at last year’s trade deadline, but Jacksonville declined their advances. General manager James Gladstone called early offseason speculation “fraudulent” in March, though it remained a topic of conversation until the draft.
Thomas’ sophomore slump, as well as a major regime change in Jacksonville, lent some credence to the idea that the Jaguars would consider trading Thomas. The team might still have enough receiver depth after their trade and extension for Jakobi Meyers and a breakout from Parker Washington. But that would have meant selling low on the 6-foot-2, 209-pound receiver, which was not part of Gladstone’s plans, Breer adds.
After all, a young, uber-athletic receiver with a proven track record in the NFL and an inexpensive contract would normally cost a king’s ransom in the NFL. Thomas was mentioned as a potential part of a trade up into the end of the first round of the 2027 draft, which would have placed his valuation much lower.
The Jaguars are instead hoping that Thomas can get back on track this year. He has recovered from the injuries that hindered him last year and has already demonstrated improved chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. A second year in Liam Coen‘s scheme should also help Thomas carve out a more consistent role in Jacksonville’s offense.