Jets Named As Trade Suitor for $14.65M Pro Bowl WR After Geno Smith Named QB1

Entering the 2026 NFL regular season, the New York Jets and head coach Aaron Glenn aim to make life as easy as possible for veteran quarterback Geno Smith. As the NFL Draft approaches, New York is linked to a Pro Bowl WR that could help take the Jets offense to the next level.

Why the Jets Are a Potential Trade Destination for Brian Thomas Jr.

This past week, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport published an article headlined “8 NFL Stars Who Could Actually Be Traded.” Notably, the Jaguars’ 2024 first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. was featured in the article, with the Jets listed as a potential trade partner.

“Trading a wideout who has accomplished what Thomas has and is still on his rookie deal would certainly shake things up in Jacksonville,” Davenport wrote.

“However, the 23-year-old did not appear to fit especially well in Liam Coen’s offense last season, and the Jags also have Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, and Travis Hunter when he isn’t saving Metropolis from Lex Luthor,” he continued.

“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.”

During his rookie campaign in 2024, Thomas appeared in 17 games, totaling 87 receptions, 1,282 receiving yards, and 10 touchdown scores. According to PFSN’s NFL WR Impact Metrics, he recorded an impact score of 90.0, earning an A- grade and ranking 4th among all wide receivers.

While many had considered Thomas the steal of the draft and the Jaguars’ WR1 for the future, his status changed in 2025. Under Coen and his staff, Thomas’ production dropped dramatically.

Across 14 appearances, Thomas only managed 48 catches, 707 receiving yards, and 3 total touchdowns. Per PFSN, he finished with an impact score of 71.9, ranking 71st and well behind teammates Washington and Meyers.

Taking into consideration the Jaguars’ depth in the pass-catching room and Thomas’ drop-off in play, a trade could be in order. The Jets, aiming to bolster their receiver group and having control of four picks within the top 50, should look to capitalize.

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Then again, Thomas remains on his rookie deal with a total value of $14.66 million. As a result, a potential trade package would likely include one of the Jets’ second-round picks (No. 33, No. 44) along with a later-round pick swap.

This trade would give Jacksonville an opportunity to revamp its offensive line or a defensive position. Meanwhile, the Jets would provide Geno Smith with two star receivers between Garrett Wilson and Thomas.