Brian Thomas Jr.’s name is back in the trade chatter, even if the Jaguars have given every indication they aren’t eager to move him.
NFL insider Dan Graziano said teams will keep checking in on the Jacksonville wideout as the Nov. 10 trade deadline approaches, and he pointed to three clubs that could be worth watching: the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders.
“Teams are curious to see what, if anything, the Jaguars plan to do with 2024 first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.,” Graziano wrote. “This has been the case since the offseason, though the Jaguars were telling teams then that they weren't interested in moving Thomas.
That may continue to be the case. But the team has clearly moved toward Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers as the top passing-game targets for Trevor Lawrence, and while they're using Travis Hunter almost exclusively on defense, they have not given up plans for him to contribute on offense in some way this season.”
Jacksonville has already pushed back hard on the idea of a Thomas deal. In March, general manager James Gladstone called reports about a potential trade “fraudulent.” Then in June, it was reported that “the Jaguars were never selling low on a guy (Thomas) with that sort of talent.”
Still, the numbers through three games don’t exactly scream untouchable centerpiece. ESPN stats show Thomas enters Week 4 tied for third on the Jaguars with seven catches, second on the team with 12 targets and third with 88 receiving yards. He has yet to catch a touchdown this season.
That’s the backdrop as the 2-1 Jaguars head to Cincinnati to face the 2-1 Bengals on Sunday. DraftKings Sportsbook listed Jacksonville as a 2.5-point road underdog as of Wednesday morning.
Graziano said teams will keep asking because Thomas is viewed as a No. 1 receiver talent, even if his fit with Trevor Lawrence is debated.
“So teams will continue to inquire about Thomas, who's perceived as a No. 1 wide receiver talent who may not be a great fit with Lawrence's strengths,” Graziano continued. “I think it would take a strong offer to get the Jags to move Thomas, but he's another name worth watching in the coming weeks ahead of what could be a very interesting trade deadline at the WR position.”
If Jacksonville keeps winning through Week 9, Graziano added, the price to pry Thomas away could stay high. The Jaguars’ bye comes in Week 7, which only adds another layer to the next few weeks of speculation.
In Other News...
Brian Thomas Jr. Slump Just Created An Uncomfortable Jaguars Question
Brian Thomas Jr. has been part of the Jaguars long-term plan since arriving as a former first-round pick, but his recent production dip has invited outside curiosity in a way the team probably would rather avoid. NFL analyst Kristopher Knox recently floated the Steelers as a club that could benefit from adding Thomas to its passing game, a reminder that even young receivers with upside can become the subject of trade chatter when the numbers stop matching the pedigree.
For Jacksonville, the situation is less about any immediate intention to move him and more about how quickly a slump can turn into an uncomfortable question. The Jaguars have shown no interest in trading Thomas right now, but if his form keeps slipping, the conversation could get louder, especially with Pittsburgh already active at receiver this season after adding Michael Pittman Jr. and drafting Germie Bernard. [Read more 🡒]
Jaguars Rookies Are Forcing A Real Week 4 Depth Chart Shift
Through the first three weeks, the Jaguars rookie class has already started to leave a real imprint on the roster picture. Some first-year players, including Wesley Williams and Jalen Huskey, are still waiting for their first action, but others have forced their way into the conversation with meaningful reps on offense, defense and special teams. Bryan Thomas Jr. and Josh Cameron have been among the more noticeable contributors, giving Jacksonville something to think about as the season settles in.
Head coach Liam Coen also had to address the health of rookie Albert Regis, which adds another layer to a depth chart that is clearly still moving. For a team trying to find the right mix in the early part of the year, the rookie class is no longer just developmental background noise. The bigger question now is how much those performances will continue to push established options out of the way as Week 4 approaches. [Read more 🡒]
Jaguars Suddenly Have A Secondary Concern Before Bengals Showdown
A week after trying to settle into the rhythm of the season, Jacksonville suddenly has a secondary question hanging over its preparation for Cincinnati. The Jaguars Week 4 injury report shows three of their five cornerbacks were either injured or limited in practice, a reminder that a position group built on depth can get thin in a hurry when the practice report starts piling up.
Jarrian Jones was a full participant despite a hip issue, while Christian Braswell worked on a limited basis with a knee injury and Montaric Brown was also limited because of a hamstring problem. Jacksonville also had several other names on the report, including LeQuint Allen, DaVon Hamilton, Jakobi Meyers, Albert Regis and Cole Van Lanen, leaving the team with some moving parts to monitor as the Bengals game approaches and the coaching staff continues to sort out availability. [Read more 🡒]