Bills Trade for Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. to Boost Josh Allen

Buffalo sends Keon Coleman and a 1st-round pick to Jacksonville in deal for proven top receiver

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Buffalo Bills are reportedly pursuing a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars that would send wide receiver Keon Coleman and the Bills' 2026 first-round pick to Jacksonville in exchange for Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. The deal would provide a significant boost to Bills quarterback Josh Allen by adding a proven top-tier receiver in Thomas, who had a standout rookie season in 2024 before a slight dip in production in 2025.

Why it matters

The Bills are looking to surround Josh Allen with more offensive firepower to help the team make a deep playoff run. Thomas would immediately become Allen's top target and provide cost-controlled production on his rookie contract, which is crucial for the cap-strapped Bills.

The details

According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell, the proposed trade would send Thomas, who is still on his rookie deal, to the Bills in exchange for Coleman and Buffalo's 2026 first-round pick. Thomas, a 2024 second-round pick, had a breakout rookie season but saw a slight dip in production in 2025. The Jaguars, who have strong depth at wide receiver, would get a chance to rehabilitate Coleman's career after his bumpy sophomore season in Buffalo.

  • The Bills are reportedly pursuing this trade during the 2026 NFL offseason.

The players

Josh Allen

The star quarterback of the Buffalo Bills who is looking for more offensive weapons to help the team contend for a Super Bowl.

Brian Thomas Jr.

A wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars who had a standout rookie season in 2024 before a slight dip in production in 2025.

Keon Coleman

A wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills who is reportedly being included in the proposed trade to the Jaguars.

Joe Brady

The new head coach of the Buffalo Bills who is also the team's play-caller.

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What they’re saying

“Thomas would immediately step in as Josh Allen's No. 1 receiver. Crucially, for a team that's $10 million over the projected cap before making adjustments this offseason, Thomas' contract is a bargain for the next few years. He'll make $2.1 million in 2026 and $2.8 million in 2027 before a potential fifth-year option in 2028, affording the Bills multiple seasons of cost control.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Bills and Jaguars would need to finalize the trade details and get approval from the NFL before the deal can be completed.

The takeaway

This trade would be a significant win for the Bills, providing Josh Allen with a proven top-tier receiver in Brian Thomas Jr. while also keeping the team's salary cap in check. The cost of a first-round pick is high, but the potential impact of Thomas on the Bills' offense makes it a worthwhile investment in their quest for a Super Bowl championship.