Jaguars GM Shuts Down Brian Thomas Jr. Trade Rumors

James Gladstone says team has 'no interest' in dealing star receiver

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:36pm

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Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone firmly denied any plans to trade wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., calling the recent trade rumors "fraudulent" and stating the team is committed to keeping the 2024 first-round pick as a key part of their passing attack moving forward.

Why it matters

Thomas emerged as a star in his rookie season in 2024 but struggled with consistency in 2025. With the arrival of free agent Jakobi Meyers and the ascension of Parker Washington, there was speculation the Jaguars could look to trade Thomas, but Gladstone has now shut down those rumors, signaling the team's belief in Thomas as a foundational piece of their offense.

The details

Gladstone told reporters the team has not received any real trade offers for Thomas and has "no interest in disrupting the momentum" of their passing game by dealing the 24-year-old receiver. The GM called the trade chatter "very strange" and said he's more concerned about the impact the rumors could have on Thomas.

  • In March 2026, Jaguars GM James Gladstone met with local media and addressed the trade rumors surrounding Brian Thomas Jr.

The players

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars who firmly denied any plans to trade wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

Brian Thomas Jr.

A 24-year-old wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars who had a breakout rookie season in 2024 but struggled with consistency in 2025, leading to trade speculation that the team's GM has now shut down.

Liam Coen

The head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars who previously shut down trade rumors about Brian Thomas Jr. last year.

Parker Washington

A rising young wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars who has seen his role increase, contributing to speculation the team could trade Brian Thomas Jr.

Jakobi Meyers

A free agent wide receiver who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason, adding to their receiving corps and contributing to the trade rumors around Brian Thomas Jr.

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What they’re saying

“No, we haven't, and there hasn't been a ton of dialogue around that front. It's teams check in, simply because it seems like there's another word reputable came up earlier. I don't think there's been any reputable statement.”

— James Gladstone, General Manager, Jacksonville Jaguars (blackandteal.com)

“We have no interest in disrupting the momentum. We look forward to continuing to build off of where we left things and know that Brian Thomas is a big piece to that puzzle, and we don't, we don't want to make sure that that gets disrupted at any time.”

— James Gladstone, General Manager, Jacksonville Jaguars (blackandteal.com)

The takeaway

The Jaguars remain committed to building around young star receiver Brian Thomas Jr., despite some trade speculation, as they look to build on the momentum of their late-season offensive surge in 2025.