Jaguars Unlikely to Trade Star Receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Despite Rumors

The team has made it clear they want to keep the 2024 first-round pick, but a first-round offer could change their mind.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp geometric shapes in the Jaguars' team colors of teal, gold, and black, conveying the complex decision the team faces regarding their star receiver.The Jaguars face a tough decision on whether to trade away their talented young receiver Brian Thomas Jr. for the right price.Walker Today

Despite the Jacksonville Jaguars publicly stating that wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is not available for trade, the rumors continue to swirl ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Thomas, a 2024 first-round pick, is coming off an underwhelming sophomore season, but has shown he can be a game-changing deep threat. The Jaguars are stacked at receiver, but may be reluctant to part with Thomas unless they receive an enticing first-round pick offer from a receiver-needy team like the New York Jets or Cleveland Browns.

Why it matters

Thomas is a talented young receiver with a high ceiling, and the Jaguars would be wise to hold onto him if possible. However, the team lacks a first-round pick in 2026 and could be tempted to trade Thomas for the right price, which could help address other needs on the roster like the defensive line and pass rush.

The details

In his rookie season, Thomas burst onto the scene, catching 82 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. But he struggled with drops and consistency in 2025, leading to speculation the Jaguars could look to move him. While the team has made it clear Thomas is not available, an NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando he 'wouldn't be shocked' if the third-year wideout is traded. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport identified the Jets and Browns as potential trade partners, as both hold first-round picks that could entice the Jaguars.

  • In 2024, Thomas was the Jaguars' first-round draft pick.
  • In 2025, Thomas struggled with drops and consistency, leading to trade rumors.
  • Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jaguars have publicly stated they won't trade Thomas.

The players

Brian Thomas Jr.

A 2024 first-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thomas had a breakout rookie season in 2024 but struggled with drops and consistency in 2025.

Travis Hunter

The Jaguars' 2025 first-round pick, who will transition to playing cornerback full-time with only a part-time role on offense.

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Gary Davenport

An analyst for Bleacher Report who identified the Jets and Browns as potential trade partners for the Jaguars and Brian Thomas Jr.

Mike Sando

A reporter for The Athletic who spoke to an NFL executive who wouldn't be surprised if the Jaguars traded Thomas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A Thomas trade is unlikely, in part because [Travis] Hunter appears headed to a full-time role on defense in 2026. But the Jaguars don't have a first-round pick in 2026 as a result of last year's deal to move up for the Colorado product. If a wideout-needy team is willing to gamble Thomas can recapture his 2024 form and pony up that first-round pick (plus), the Jaguars would be well-served to at least listen.”

— Gary Davenport, Analyst, Bleacher Report

“I wouldn't be shocked if the third-year wideout is traded.”

— NFL Executive

What’s next

The Jaguars will have to decide whether to hold onto Brian Thomas Jr. or listen to trade offers, especially if a team like the Jets or Browns offers a first-round pick. The team's decision could come down to the 2026 NFL Draft in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Jaguars are making the right call to try to keep Brian Thomas Jr., as he has shown the potential to be a game-changing receiver. However, if they receive a lucrative first-round offer, they may have to seriously consider trading him to address other needs on the roster.