Last week, The Athletic’s Diana Russini reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars were “listening” to trade calls for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., despite a move feeling “highly unlikely.”
That resulted in an emphatic response from the Jaguars, as head coach Liam Coen said, “We have no plans of moving Brian Thomas Jr. at all.”
While Jaguars officials say it won’t happen, we’ve seen this story before: a team says it isn’t trading a player, and then it turns around the next week after receiving an offer too big to turn down.
For Thomas, that seems to be within the realm of possibility. If it does happen, these four teams could be in the mix to nab him away from Jacksonville.
New England Patriots
Though they have a 6-2 record, the New England Patriots could stand to add to their skill positions. Veteran Stefon Diggs, though talented, has battled injuries and inconsistency, while Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins have underwhelmed as secondary targets. Tight end Hunter Henry ranks third in receiving yards.
Nobody in this group strikes much fear into opponents, with quarterback Drake Maye having to play superman-like football while lacking a true No. 1 option on the outside. It’s worked so far against a subpar group of opponents, but the addition of Thomas would truly open up this offense and elevate them to contender status.
Right now, New England looks solid — but Thomas could be the missing piece that pushes them into the league’s elite tier.
Washington Commanders
While it may seem like the Washington Commanders would be sellers at the trade deadline, as they sport a 3-5 record, it appears they’re getting starting quarterback Jayden Daniels back from injury this week. With him back in the lineup, look for Washington to make a run toward a wild-card spot in the NFC playoff picture once again.
To do that, however, Daniels needs more weapons. Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel headline the receiving corps, but depth behind them is thin.
While Luke McCaffrey has shown flashes of improvement, he lacks the downfield explosiveness that Thomas brings. Given the successful chemistry between Daniels and Thomas during their LSU days, reuniting them in Washington could reignite that same dynamic in the pros — and potentially help the Commanders boost their C+ grade on PFSN’s Offense Impact ranking.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in Marquez Valdes-Scantling, but there’s a reason the Seattle Seahawks were comfortable letting him walk — he’s not the same deep threat he once was, regardless of his past chemistry with Aaron Rodgers.
If the Steelers truly aim to cash in on what is believed to be their lone season with Rodgers at quarterback, they should make an all-in trade to land Thomas. Besides, if it doesn’t work out this year, Pittsburgh will have DK Metcalf and Thomas at the position — one of the top receiving duos in football — making their quarterback job an enticing one.
As far as this season goes, Metcalf needs another viable option on the outside to take some of the attention away from him. Thomas would do exactly that while giving Rodgers a deep threat, taking the top off the defense, and opening up everything underneath.
Seattle Seahawks
Though wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has grown into a superstar for the Seattle Seahawks, they need more from their supporting receivers. Offseason addition Cooper Kupp hasn’t lived up to the hype, as he’s amassed just 293 yards on 24 catches. Behind him, it’s tight ends AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo on the receiving yards list before WR3 Tory Horton appears with a meager 113 yards through seven games.
At 5-2, Seattle looks to be a real threat in the NFC — that is, if they can add another weapon on the outside.
Smith-Njigba is in just his third season, Thomas in his second. With Sam Darnold, who throws a beautiful deep ball, at quarterback, the Seahawks would benefit greatly from the addition of Thomas, who would open up Smith-Njigba even more than he already is.
