NFL Exec Predicts Jaguars Could Trade Breakout WR Brian Thomas Jr. on Draft Day

Despite the Jaguars' insistence that the 2024 first-round pick is not available, trade rumors persist around the talented young receiver.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:00am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the complex decision-making process surrounding the player's potential trade.A cubist interpretation of a talented young wide receiver's uncertain future as the Jaguars weigh trade offers ahead of the NFL Draft.Today in Jacksonville

Despite the Jacksonville Jaguars' public statements that they have no plans to trade third-year wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., an NFL executive believes the team could still move the 2024 first-round pick on draft day if the right offer comes along. Thomas had a breakout rookie season in 2024 but saw his production dip in 2025 under a new coaching staff. With the Jaguars holding 11 picks in the upcoming draft, including three in the third round, the executive thinks Jacksonville could look to acquire even more draft capital by dealing the talented young wideout.

Why it matters

Brian Thomas Jr. has shown he can be a dominant receiver in the NFL, so the Jaguars are understandably hesitant to part with him. However, the team's surplus of draft picks and the potential for a strong offer from a receiver-needy team like the Cleveland Browns or New York Jets could tempt Jacksonville to cash in on Thomas' value. This would be a risky move, as the Jaguars would be giving up on a player they invested a first-round pick in just two years ago.

The details

In 2024, Thomas had a breakout rookie season, catching 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, his production dipped to 48 catches for 707 yards and 2 touchdowns in three fewer games in 2025 under a new coaching staff. Despite this, the Jaguars have maintained that Thomas is not available via trade. However, an NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando that the Jaguars could still move Thomas on draft day if the right offer comes along, especially with the team holding 11 picks in the upcoming draft, including three in the third round.

  • In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jaguars selected Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round.
  • In the 2025 season, Thomas' production declined to 48 catches for 707 yards and 2 touchdowns in three fewer games.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

The players

Brian Thomas Jr.

A third-year wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who was a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had a breakout rookie season in 2024 but saw his production dip in 2025.

Cleveland Browns

An NFL team that has been mentioned as a potential trade destination for Brian Thomas Jr. due to their surplus of draft capital, including two first-round picks.

New York Jets

An NFL team that has also been linked to potential trade talks with the Jaguars for Brian Thomas Jr. as they look to add a veteran wide receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson.

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What’s next

The Jaguars will have to decide whether to hold onto Brian Thomas Jr. or explore trade offers for the talented young receiver leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. If a team like the Browns or Jets offers a first-round pick, Jacksonville may be tempted to cash in on Thomas' value.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between holding onto promising young players and maximizing their trade value. The Jaguars believe in Thomas' long-term potential, but the lure of additional draft capital could be too much to resist if the right offer comes along on draft day.