3 Potential Trade Destinations for Jaguars Rookie Brian Thomas Jr.
As the NFL trade deadline closes in, rumors start flying fast. One of the latest names to pop up on the radar belongs to Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Reports indicate that the team has begun fielding trade inquiries for him — a surprising development given he’s only a year removed from a breakout rookie campaign. After posting 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in his debut season, Thomas entered 2025 expected to be Trevor Lawrence’s next elite target. But the new offensive system has stifled his production.
His performance has dipped, and the Jaguars, currently focused on strengthening their defense, appear open to exploring options. This doesn’t mean a deal is certain, but it does open the door for a few bold teams to make a move.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Erik Drost
No one loves a mid-season shakeup more than Pittsburgh. Already armed with Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf, the Steelers are serious about chasing another championship. Adding Thomas could make their offense one of the toughest to defend in the AFC. His deep-threat ability would stretch the field and open things up for their already powerful passing game.
Pittsburgh has shown it’s not afraid to spend big on talent after trading for Metcalf earlier in the year. They have the cap flexibility and draft capital to pull off another high-value trade, and Thomas’s rookie contract makes him an attractive, affordable piece.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo’s season has been strong, but they’ve been criticized for missing extra gear on offense. Injuries have tested their depth at wide receiver, and while the unit has held up, there’s a clear opening for another playmaker. Thomas could fill that role perfectly.
Trading for Thomas would give Josh Allen another reliable option and inject some youth into the lineup. He fits both their short-term playoff ambitions and long-term plans.
New York Giants
Image via Wikimedia Commons/All-Pro Reels
This one might raise some eyebrows, but the Giants make sense for a different reason. They’re still rebuilding and searching for a true No. 1 receiver to grow with their young offense. Thomas has the potential to be that cornerstone.
New York wouldn’t be looking for a short-term rental. They’d be investing in a player who could shape their next few seasons. Thomas’s rookie deal gives them flexibility, and his ceiling remains high despite a slower sophomore year. For a team desperate to give its passing game some identity, Thomas could be the kind of player who changes the tone for the future.
The Jaguars may ultimately decide to hang on to Thomas and bet on him to rediscover his form in Jacksonville. With the trade deadline approaching and receiver-hungry teams circling, his name will keep coming up in conversations. The market remains open, and all eyes are waiting to see who makes the first move.