The Jacksonville Jaguars aren’t shopping Brian Thomas Jr., but that doesn’t mean teams have stopped calling. Jacksonville’s star receiver endured a frustrating sophomore campaign, watching his production plummet while Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers emerged as Trevor Lawrence’s preferred targets. Now, with the draft three weeks away, at least one NFL executive believes Thomas could be moved if the right offer materializes.
Draft Day Scenario Takes Shape Around Brian Thomas Jr.
The executive’s assessment, shared with The Athletic’s Mike Sando, frames Thomas as an intriguing trade chip rather than a player the Jaguars are eager to move.
“The Brian Thomas situation is interesting,” the executive said. “It’s smart to hold onto him. He is too young to give up on that early. I could see him being moved on draft day, if people’s favorite receivers get picked.”
The logic tracks as Thomas is 23 years old and still on his rookie contract with two years remaining at a combined $4.9 million, plus a fifth-year option for 2028. In a league where receivers like Jaxon Smith-Njigba just signed for $168.6 million, that cost control carries serious value.
Thomas’ 2025 numbers look troubling on their face. He caught just 48 passes for 707 yards and two touchdowns after posting an 87-catch, 1,282-yard, 10-touchdown Pro Bowl campaign as a rookie.
According to PFSN’s WR Impact Metric, he finished the season as the 71st-ranked wide receiver in the league with an impact score of 71.1. In comparison, Thomas was the fourth-best receiver in the league during his rookie season with an impact score of 90.0.
A wrist injury contributed to eight drops, tied for third-most in the NFL, and his role shifted to deep-ball specialist once Washington and Meyers found their rhythm over the middle.
But context matters, as the Jaguars won 13 games and the AFC South with Thomas as a complementary piece rather than the focal point. That’s not failure; it’s the roster construction working as intended.
Where Does Brian Thomas Jr. Fit in the Jaguars’ Crowded Receiver Room?
Washington’s breakout season changed the equation. The sixth-round pick caught 58 passes for 847 yards with an 79.0 WRi score, emerging as Jacksonville’s most reliable target down the stretch.
Meyers provided veteran steadiness after arriving via trade from Las Vegas. And Travis Hunter, despite missing 10 games with an LCL injury, is expected to see increased snaps at cornerback in 2026 to address expiring contracts in the secondary.
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That last development actually benefits Thomas. GM James Gladstone indicated Hunter will focus more on defense, which frees targets on offense. The Jaguars aren’t adding another mouth to feed at receiver; instead, they’re potentially subtracting one.
Thomas showed glimpses of his rookie form late in 2025. His drop rate fell from 18.9% before his injury to 5.3% after returning. He scored in the Wild Card loss to Buffalo, which shows the talent hasn’t disappeared.
The Jaguars went from 4-13 to 13-4 in one season. Lawrence accounted for a franchise-record 38 total touchdowns. This team is a legitimate Super Bowl contender with its core locked up on affordable deals.
Trading Thomas now would be selling low on a 23-year-old who caught 10 touchdowns 14 months ago. Smart teams don’t do that, and Jacksonville shouldn’t either.
