Jets Reportedly Eyeing Trade for Jaguars' Young WR Brian Thomas Jr.

New York could part with multiple 2026 and 2027 draft picks to acquire the 23-year-old playmaker.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:39am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-air making a catch, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives conveying the dynamic energy of the play.A cubist interpretation of a young wide receiver making a game-changing catch, hinting at the Jets' bold plans to acquire offensive firepower.Indianapolis Today

The New York Jets are reportedly considering a blockbuster trade that would send multiple 2026 and 2027 draft picks to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for 23-year-old wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. The deal could include the Jets' 16th overall pick in the 2026 draft, their 5th round pick in 2026, and a 2027 2nd round pick, with the Jaguars also sending back their 2026 3rd round selection.

Why it matters

The Jets are looking to surround their future franchise quarterback with as much young talent as possible, and acquiring the 6'3" Thomas would give them a formidable receiving duo alongside Garrett Wilson. Despite a down 2025 season, Thomas has shown the ability to be a dominant No. 1 wideout, which could help elevate the Jets' passing attack.

The details

Brian Thomas Jr. was one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, finishing his rookie season with 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He took a step back in 2025 with just 707 yards and 2 scores, but the Jets are reportedly willing to take a chance on his immense potential. The proposed trade would send the Jets' 16th overall pick in 2026, their 5th rounder that year, and a 2027 2nd round selection to Jacksonville, with the Jaguars sending back their 2026 3rd round pick.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April in Cleveland, Ohio.
  • The Jets currently have two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and two third-round picks in the 2026 draft.

The players

Brian Thomas Jr.

A 23-year-old wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thomas was a first-round pick in 2024 and had a breakout rookie season before a down year in 2025.

Garrett Wilson

The Jets' top wide receiver, Wilson has posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and 18 touchdowns since being drafted in 2022.

Daren Mougey

The Jets' general manager, Mougey has been aggressive in rebuilding the roster through trades and the draft.

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What they’re saying

“The Jets are loaded for bear to get that quarterback in 2027, with three first-rounders. In the interim, the team should be looking to improve the situation that quarterback will be walking into. And outside Garrett Wilson, the pass-catching corps in New York is among the NFL's weakest.”

— Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report Analyst

What’s next

The Jets will need to negotiate the trade details with the Jaguars and finalize the terms before the 2026 NFL Draft in April.

The takeaway

By potentially trading multiple high draft picks for the young and talented Brian Thomas Jr., the Jets are signaling their intent to surround their future franchise quarterback with as much offensive firepower as possible. This aggressive move could pay dividends if Thomas can regain his 2024 form and provide a dynamic receiving threat opposite Garrett Wilson.