So far, the NFL offseason has been an interesting and shocking one. First, it was the Maxx Crosby trade situation, quarterback moves like Geno Smith back to the Jets, or Kyler Murray signing with the Vikings. Let’s not forget that the Rams revamped their secondary with Chiefs cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Could a Brian Thomas Jr. trade be the next shocking move to happen this NFL offseason?
As of now, the Jacksonville Jaguars have made it clear that he’s not going anywhere, as Jaguars general manager James Gladstone has said the trade rumors are “fraudulent claims”, but that could change.
What Brian Thomas Jr. Brings to Teams
Brian Thomas Jr. is one of the best young wide receivers in the league. His rookie year was a dominant one as he adjusted quickly to the game speed of the NFL. In his rookie year, the LSU product produced 87 receptions, 1,282 receiving yards, and caught 10 touchdowns. He’s a 6’4” wide receiver who has exceptional speed with a 40 time of 4.33. When lined up as the No. 1 wide receiver, he can stretch the field as a vertical threat, win on one-to-one matchups, track the ball well, and is known as a crisp route runner.
He’s still in his rookie contract, so if a team were to trade for him, they’d have him on their roster for at least two years with a 5th-year extension possible. The cap hit would only be $3.9 million for this upcoming season.
In his sophomore season, it was not the season Brian Thomas Jr. had expected. Drops and injuries also hampered his play as wrist/hand injuries likely caused drops, then he suffered a high ankle sprain in week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Jaguars then traded for Jakobi Meyers, which added to a crowded wide receiver room that saw the emergence of Parker Washington. Adjusting to Liam Coan’s offense was a struggle as he was running underneath and intermediate routes rather than running routes that a vertical X wide receiver would run.
Again, as of now, Brian Thomas Jr. has not requested a trade, and the Jaguars remain firm on keeping him in their plans for the foreseeable future. But, just in case that changes, here are a few teams that would be great fits for the stud LSU wide receiver.
Best Team Fits for BTJ
New York Jets
Behind Garrett Wilson, there’s not much depth at the wide receiver position for Gang Green. Adonai Mitchell showed promise last season after being acquired from the Colts in the Sauce Gardner trade and is ready for a big role this upcoming season, but the Jets still need to add depth to that position.
Insert Brian Thomas Jr. into that offense, and Geno Smith has enough weapons to work with next season. He would instantly take pressure off Garrett Wilson and give the Jets another threat to work with. The Jets were linked to BTJ during last season’s trade deadline.
As head coach, Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey keep building the roster with the best players possible.
Washington Commanders
Last year was a disappointing season for the Commanders after being one year removed from the incredible playoff run that got them to the NFC championship game. Injuries to key players like quarterback Jayden Daniels and poor defensive play led to an abysmal 5-12 season.
The hope is that next year will be different as they’ve added to the defensive side of the team by signing defensive ends K’Lavon Chaisson and Odafe Oweh. On offense, they could add Brian Thomas Jr. to boost their offense and add another threat at wide receiver outside of Terry McLaurin.
If the Commanders decide not to pursue a wide receiver in the draft, trading for a proven wide receiver like BTJ could benefit them.
New England Patriots
Coming off a year where they were in the Super Bowl, the Patriots will look to sustain consistency in their success and look to make it back to the promise land.
Stefon Diggs was released in March after one season, despite signing a three-year deal last offseason, leaving them without a true no.1 wide receiver.
They’ve been linked to wide receivers like AJ Brown, but if BTJ becomes available, the Patriots would surely be interested. BTJ would instantly become the Patriots’ no.1 wide receiver that Drake Maye needs, and they would have the cap space and resources to make a trade happen.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have been lacking a true No. 1 wide receiver since trading away Tyreek Hill in the 2022 offseason. Xavier Worthy has been inconsistent, and Rashee Rice has off-field issues. Travis Kelce is returning, but they still need more help.
Adding Super Bowl 60 MVP running back Kenneth Walker III was a big move to improve the running game, with Isiah Pacheco leaving for the Detroit Lions in free agency. Adding BTJ to the offense would give the Chiefs the No.1 they’ve been looking for. Patrick Mahomes and BTJ would be a great combo and take off a need at the position.
New York Giants
Adding BTJ to the Giants would be another off-season win for them, as they’ve added John Harbaugh as their head coach.
With Wan’Dale Robinson leaving for the Tennessee Titans, the Giants have a hole at the wide receiver position. Pairing BTJ, an LSU product, with another LSU product in Malik Nabers would be great for the development of Jaxson Dart, who is entering his sophomore season.
Last year, the Giants failed to stretch the field vertically. BTJ would give them that big-play threat opposite Nabers.
Final Prediction
In the NFL, things can change in an instant. Players can be labeled non-negotiable one day, and traded the next. The New York Jets once insisted they wouldn’t move Jamal Adams, while the Arizona Cardinals called Josh Rosen their quarterback of the future. As history has shown, situations evolve quickly.
That’s what makes this situation worth monitoring. The Jacksonville Jaguars currently don’t have a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, and if a team presents a strong enough offer for Brian Thomas Jr., it’s something they would have to at least consider. Given his talent and upside, there would be no shortage of interest around the league.
Still, as it stands, general manager James Gladstone has publicly dismissed the rumors as “fraudulent claims,” and with no trade request from Thomas, all signs point to him remaining a key part of Jacksonville’s plans moving forward.
Now, the focus shifts back to the field. After an up-and-down sophomore season, Thomas will look to bounce back healthy, continue developing within Liam Coen’s system, and reestablish his connection with Trevor Lawrence. If he can build off the flashes he showed as a rookie, the ceiling remains incredibly high.
