The Buffalo Bills have been known to make bold moves, and a recent trade proposal has them potentially eyeing a swap that could shake up their wide receiver corps. The buzz centers around a deal that would bring Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr. to Buffalo.
The Trade Proposal:
- Bills receive: WR Brian Thomas Jr., 2026 fifth-round pick
- Jaguars receive: WR Keon Coleman, 2026 first-round pick
What Brian Thomas Jr. Brings to the Bills:
Thomas, just 23, made an immediate impact in the NFL. Drafted 23rd overall in 2024, he quickly established himself as a top-tier receiver, earning Pro Bowl honors with 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 209 pounds, Thomas combines size and speed, making him a formidable presence on the outside.
However, his sophomore season in 2025 was a different story. Plagued by ankle and shoulder injuries, Thomas' production dipped to 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns over 14 games. Despite this, his potential remains tantalizing, and his contract is team-friendly, with a cap hit of $4 million in 2026 and $4.7 million in 2027, plus a possible fifth-year option in 2028.
The Keon Coleman Factor:
Keon Coleman, the Bills' first pick in the second round of the 2024 draft, has shown flashes of talent but hasn't yet become a reliable playmaker. His 2025 season ended with 38 receptions for 404 yards and four touchdowns, and he was a healthy scratch in four games.
The dynamics within the Bills' organization add another layer to this potential trade. Team owner Terry Pegula's comments about the coaching staff's push for Coleman in the draft stirred some debate, though GM Brandon Beane later clarified that Coleman's selection was his decision. Beane attributed Coleman's benchings to "maturity" issues, yet new head coach Joe Brady and star quarterback Josh Allen have expressed their continued belief in him.
Trading Coleman now would signify a major shift, but the prospect of adding a player like Thomas could be too tempting for the Bills to pass up. As the offseason unfolds, this proposal is one to watch closely, as it could redefine the Bills' offensive landscape.