With the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline quickly approaching, a lot of eyes will be focused on the Jaguars and what they do with receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
The 6-2 Jaguars could look to add help on defense — in the wake of defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton’s season-ending quad injury — at the deadline, and they could make a move to improve their line. They’ve received multiple calls about Thomas over recent seasons, even as the team has remained firm in keeping him, ESPN reported.
That stance could change with their needs on defense and the former Thomas’ decrease in usage.
The 2024 first-round pick played just 19 snaps during Thursday night’s 33-10 victory in Baltimore and did not catch a pass. Thomas, 24, has 117 yards and two touchdowns through eight games this season.
At least three teams are in the market for a wide receiver: the Chiefs, Steelers and 49ers, with Kansas City having a particular interest in the former Thomas, per ESPN.
Kansas City, even with a 5-2 record, does not have anyone rostered with more than 410 receiving yards, and that comes from tight end Travis Kelce. Rashee Rice leads Chiefs receivers with 243 yards.
The Worldwide Leader reported at the end of October that “multiple league execs believe Jacksonville will seriously consider trading Brian Thomas Jr. at the deadline now that his role has decreased.” Thomas was also curiously left out of the Jaguars’ social promo post for their game on Halloween weekend, adding to the speculation that his time with the team is coming to an end.
The Jaguars were aggressive last year at the deadline, trading with the Raiders for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. With Meyers’ arrival and the surging production of Parker Washington, Thomas is becoming the odd man out each passing day.
Thomas was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season with 1,282 receiving yards, but saw that number plummet to 707 last year. Even though he’s been almost a non-factor in the offense this year, Jacksonville leads the AFC South comfortably, with the second-place Texans sitting at 2-5.
The Jaguars next play the Titans on Nov. 15 — and whether that’s with Thomas or not is yet to be determined.
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