Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., a Pro Bowl rookie in 2024, has seen his role diminish significantly in 2025 despite the team's 5-2 start. After posting 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in his debut season, Thomas has managed just 10 catches for 117 yards through seven games, ranking fifth on the team in both categories. His snap share has fluctuated, dropping to 21% in a Week 6 loss to the Houston Texans before rising to 52% in a Week 7 win over the Indianapolis Colts, where he caught his first touchdown since Week 4.
Head coach Liam Coen and quarterback Trevor Lawrence have publicly supported Thomas. Lawrence said after the Colts game: "I was super excited... the guy's so talented, he's a great player, and obviously hasn't been the easiest for him lately, but he's been working extremely hard to make plays." The Jaguars' receiving corps is deep: Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, tight end Brenton Strange, and running back Bhayshul Tuten all have more receptions than Thomas, though he remains the only true deep threat.
If Jacksonville decides to trade Thomas — a significant "if" — several teams could pursue him, using the recent Marvin Harrison Jr. trade (Houston sent 2027 second- and seventh-round picks to Arizona for Harrison and a 2027 sixth) as a benchmark.
Kansas City Chiefs
Proposed deal: Chiefs receive WR Brian Thomas Jr.; Jaguars receive a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 sixth-round pick. Kansas City holds an extra 2027 third-rounder from the Trent McDuffie trade and desperately needs a vertical receiver. Patrick Mahomes has not completed a pass of 20-plus yards in his last three games, and in a Week 7 loss to the Denver Broncos the leading receivers were running back Emmett Johnson and tight end Travis Kelce. Rashee Rice operates primarily in the quick game. The main obstacle: Jacksonville may be reluctant to strengthen a fellow AFC contender.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Proposed deal: Steelers receive WR Brian Thomas Jr.; Jaguars receive a 2027 third-round pick and tackle Dylan Cook. Pittsburgh has been hit hard by injuries and could add Cook, a backup who lost his starting job to Max Iheanachor but has starting experience. Jacksonville recently lost tackle Anton Harrison for the season, leaving their depth thin. The offer is higher than those from non-contenders because the Steelers are also in the playoff hunt.
Las Vegas Raiders
Proposed deal: Raiders receive WR Brian Thomas Jr.; Jaguars receive a 2027 third-round pick. Las Vegas sits at 4-4 but has lost four of its last five and faces a difficult schedule. The Raiders have a clear need at wide receiver both now and for the future when first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza takes over for Kirk Cousins. Tight end Brock Bowers is a star, but a complementary outside threat is critical. Thomas could rediscover his rookie form or simply be part of the solution.
Washington Commanders
Proposed deal: Commanders receive WR Brian Thomas Jr.; Jaguars receive a 2027 fourth-round pick and defensive tackle Shy Tuttle. Washington is 2-4-1 but remains in the weak NFC East; a Week 9 upset of the Los Angeles Rams could turn them into buyers. Thomas was a college teammate of quarterback Jayden Daniels at LSU. The Commanders view this as an investment for the present and future, with Terry McLaurin out for the season and a potential contract out this offseason, and Stefon Diggs on a one-year deal. Adding Tuttle would address Jacksonville's need for interior defensive line help after DaVon Hamilton's injury.
