The Jacksonville Jaguars are sitting at 2-1 this season through three weeks, trying to keep those wins rolling under head coach Liam Coen. But while they’re doing alright on the field, there’s a massive shadow hanging over their receiving corps: Brian Thomas Jr. This dude, a 2024 first-round pick, has completely flipped the script from superstar rookie receiver to what the source calls a “bona fide bust.” His offensive share has tanked, his future is murky, and that uncertainty has, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, got teams all over the NFL sniffing around for a potential mid-season trade. Wild, right?
From Phenom to Flatline: The Thomas Jr. Mystery
Jags fans probably aren’t even surprised by this, honestly. Thomas Jr.’s name was already popping up as a possible trade target for WR-needy teams back in the offseason. The writing’s been on the wall for a minute. We’re talking about a guy who went from can’t-miss talent to struggling to find consistent snaps, and that’s a tough pill for any fanbase to swallow, especially for a former first-rounder.
Now, with Parker Washington stepping up and becoming the team’s No. 1 wideout, and Jakobi Meyers clearly establishing himself as the second-best option, Thomas Jr. is really getting pushed down the depth chart. You’ve even got Travis Hunter getting some work in, and Josh Cameron actually getting meaningful opportunities. When other guys are passing you by, and you’re a former top pick, it’s not exactly a vote of confidence. It really wouldn’t be a shocker to see Thomas dealt this season, given how much his role has shrunk.
The Price Tag and the Potential Landing Spots
So, everyone’s intrigued, but moving Thomas Jr. isn’t gonna be a walk in the park. Graziano thinks it would take “a strong offer” to get the Jaguars to actually pull the trigger on a trade. And with his poor play over the last two years, teams might just balk at whatever lofty asking price the Jags put out there. Nobody wants to overpay for a reclamation project, even if he was a first-round talent not too long ago.
But here’s the kicker: Thomas Jr. is still on his rookie deal through the rest of the 2026 and 2027 seasons, with a team option for 2028. That makes him a long-term asset for anyone willing to take a chance. Think about it: a young, ascending team like the Las Vegas Raiders, who are always looking for wide receiver help, could absolutely make a move. Or maybe the San Francisco 49ers, with all their injury issues, might gamble on his raw talent. To make the Jags move on from him, it’s gonna take serious draft capital. But don’t sleep on this rumor. The league’s already showing preliminary interest, and Brian Thomas Jr. might just be headed for a new city.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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