Bills Reportedly Eyeing Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. in Potential Trade

The asking price is said to be Keon Coleman and a 1st-round pick.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 8:31am

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The Buffalo Bills are reportedly interested in trading for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell, the proposed deal would send Bills receiver Keon Coleman and a 1st-round pick to the Jaguars, who would also send a 5th-round pick back to Buffalo. Thomas had a standout rookie season in 2024 but saw a dip in production in 2025, leading the Jaguars to potentially look to move him.

Why it matters

The Bills have lacked a true #1 wide receiver since trading Stefon Diggs in 2024, and acquiring the talented Thomas would give QB Josh Allen a dynamic playmaker on the outside. However, the cost of a 1st-round pick is steep, especially for a player coming off a down year.

The details

Thomas had 87 catches for over 1,200 yards and a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2024, but his production fell off in 2025 with just two 100-yard games. The Jaguars may be looking to recoup the 1st-round pick they traded away and are willing to part with Thomas, who some feel is unwilling to make tough catches. The Bills would be giving up a promising young receiver in Keon Coleman, but the potential upside of Thomas makes it a risk worth taking.

  • In 2024, Thomas had a standout rookie season.
  • In 2025, Thomas saw a dip in production.

The players

Brian Thomas Jr.

A wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars who had a Pro Bowl season as a rookie in 2024 but saw a decline in production in 2025.

Keon Coleman

A wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills who would be included in the proposed trade to the Jaguars.

Josh Allen

The quarterback of the Buffalo Bills who would benefit from having a true #1 wide receiver like Thomas.

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What they’re saying

“After a massive rookie campaign, Thomas didn't have a single 100-yard game in Year 2 and topped 70 receiving yards three times. There were drops and (perhaps overstated) concerns about Thomas' unwillingness to make catches in tight spaces.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

What’s next

The Bills and Jaguars would need to finalize the trade details, including the specific draft pick compensation, before any deal could be completed.

The takeaway

This potential trade represents the Bills' continued efforts to surround Josh Allen with elite receiving talent, even if it comes at a steep price. Thomas' upside is tantalizing, but his recent production dip is a concern that the Bills would have to weigh carefully.