Ben Solak’s latest ESPN “I think” column tossed out a trade idea that would send Brian Thomas Jr. out of Jacksonville, but for now it remains exactly what Solak said it was: a napkin sketch.
Solak listed one of his predictions as the Kansas City Chiefs making a move for a wide receiver, and while walking through possible deals, he floated a swap involving the Jaguars and Thomas Jr. The proposal had Kansas City sending Xavier Worthy and a 2027 third-round pick to Jacksonville for Thomas Jr.
“These are not sourced and were first written down on the back of a napkin,” Solak wrote. “It's very likely the other teams in these hypotheticals would not even listen to deals for their wideouts. Do not yell at me on the internet about these trade proposals.”
Worthy, a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, brings the kind of speed that would let him step into a vertical role in Jacksonville’s offense if Thomas Jr. were gone. Solak also framed the hypothetical from Kansas City’s side, writing, “Mahomes and the Chiefs can give Thomas a chance to rediscover his 2024 form in a new zip code.”
That’s the backdrop to a season in which Thomas Jr. has had a hard time finding steady ground in Liam Coen’s offense. His usage has slipped, including only 15 total snaps in Week 6 and none in the second half, and he has gone without a catch over the last two games.
The Jaguars’ receiver rotation has shifted around him. Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers are leading the group, Josh Cameron has earned more chances, and Travis Hunter’s offensive role could grow as well. Jacksonville’s heavier personnel packages have also worked against Thomas Jr.’s opportunities.
Still, the speculation runs into a clear public stance from the Jaguars. Adam Schefter reported that the team has “shown no signs of engaging in trade talks” involving Thomas Jr., even as teams are expected to “ramp up calls” before the deadline.
Coen also backed his receiver on Monday, saying, “He's going to be able to help us make plays this week.”
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