Jaguars' plan for Travis Hunter could limit trade options for WR Brian Thomas Jr.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos may have one less wide receiver target to pursue this offseason.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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According to reports, the Jacksonville Jaguars plan to utilize Travis Hunter more as a cornerback than a wide receiver in 2026, which could make it less likely they trade away their other talented young receiver, Brian Thomas Jr. Thomas was previously rumored to be a potential trade target for teams like the Steelers, Bills and Broncos, who are all in need of wide receiver help. But with Hunter's role shifting, the Jaguars may be more inclined to hold onto Thomas, who showed promise as a rookie before a sophomore slump.

Why it matters

The Steelers, Bills and Broncos were all seen as potential landing spots for Thomas, who could have provided an immediate upgrade to their receiving corps. However, the Jaguars' decision to feature Hunter more on defense reduces the likelihood they will part with Thomas, leaving those teams to explore other options to bolster their wide receiver rooms.

The details

In 2025, Hunter played more than double the snaps at wide receiver compared to cornerback for the Jaguars. But according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, the team plans to utilize Hunter primarily as a cornerback in 2026, with only a part-time role on offense. This shift means the Jaguars will be less inclined to trade away their other talented young receiver, Thomas, who had a promising rookie season before struggling in 2025. At just 23 years old, the Jaguars view Thomas as an important part of their future and don't want to part with him, especially with Hunter's role changing.

  • The Jaguars are planning their 2026 defensive and offensive alignments for the upcoming season.

The players

Travis Hunter

A versatile defensive back and wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who the team plans to feature more as a cornerback in 2026 compared to his previous role.

Brian Thomas Jr.

A 23-year-old wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars who showed promise as a rookie before struggling in his second season, making him a potential trade target for teams like the Steelers, Bills and Broncos.

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What they’re saying

“From what I understand, [the Jaguars] plan to play him as a full-time cornerback, a part-time receiver, which is a switch from last year when he played more than double of his snaps at receiver than cornerback.”

— Cameron Wolfe, NFL Network reporter (NFL Network)

The takeaway

The Jaguars' decision to shift Travis Hunter's role to focus more on defense reduces the likelihood they will trade away their other talented young receiver, Brian Thomas Jr., limiting the options for teams like the Steelers, Bills and Broncos who were seeking wide receiver help this offseason.