While the Jacksonville Jaguars rebuffed the idea earlier this offseason, the latest NFL trade rumors suggest the team could be moving Brian Thomas Jr. anyway. Before anyone gets ahead of themselves, Jacksonville isn’t moving the WR unless they get contacted by a team with a proposal it can’t turn down. However, it didn’t stop them from exploring options for trading the receiver during the 2026 NFL Draft, so could a deal come before the season? You have to say never say never, especially after the Myles Garrett mega deal.
The source said the Jaguars had plenty of opportunity to pull off a deal. While that’s true, who’s to say that they got a return that they liked? Thomas is still listed atop the receiver depth chart with Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington and former 2025 draft pick Travis Hunter following behind. If the Jaguars find themselves in postseason contention, it wouldn’t make sense to trade the receiver unless he’s showing signs he doesn’t fit the mold in the offensive pass-attack.
Speaking of Myers, the team traded for the wideout and extended him in the same season. While Thomas doesn’t have much to worry about since he’s entering his third year, it’s still something to watch. If it comes to contract year for the receiver, will the Jaguars have enough cap to extend Thomas? It also depends on whether the wideout can be utilized.
NFL Trade Rumors: Jaguars Star Connected in 3 Massive Trade Proposals
Last season, the wideout hauled in 707 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 48 receptions. He was just two seasons removed from having one of the most promising seasons, recording 87 receptions for 1,282 receiving yards and ten receiving touchdowns as a rookie. Are the Jaguars purposely pushing him out? If that were true, he would’ve been gone, but it’s still something that’s yet to unfold, especially this upcoming season.
If Jacksonville finds itself out of the playoff race, then of course, Thomas will be a trade candidate. The good news is that Hunter will play primarily cornerback, which leaves Meyers and Washington in the aerial attack. Could that help the former first-round pick? It’s possible, but let’s explore three trade proposals/teams who could get involved in the latest WR sweepstakes.
3 Proposed Packages
Jaguars/Chargers
Following the 2026 offseason for the Los Angeles Chargers, finding another dynamic playmaker for QB Justin Herbert has been a complete disappointment. The team selected WR Brenen Thompson, but what the Chargers need is a more established receiver. Ladd McConkey is the lone wideout who has been impactful, and Quentin Johnston is barely hanging on and is just now finding his rhythm. With Thompson, Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, this doesn’t look like a team winning a championship anytime soon.
Herbert is getting older each season, so if Jim Harbaugh wants to trade for a high-stakes receiver, he should do it now. The Chargers could send Johnston and a third-round pick in exchange for Thomas.
Jaguars/Rams
Meanwhile, it’s possible the Los Angeles Rams could sign a veteran WR before the 2026 season. However, there’s an opportunity to build a long-term receiver core with Davante Adams most likely retiring in 2027. This would leave Puka Nacua as the lone receiver, who’s dynamic and can lead this offense, but he isn’t God.
He can’t do it alone, and the Rams know that. Los Angeles could sign Deebo Samuel, Keenan Allen or Stefon Diggs, but if they want to rebuild its core receiver group, they should consider Thomas. The Rams could send RB Blake Corum to Jacksonville while they get the receiver and a 2027 second-round pick.
Jaguars/Panthers
Between Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and now 2026 draft selection Chris Brazzell, the Carolina Panthers are building a potential unstoppable WR group. However, they have Xavier Legette to worry about this upcoming season. If the Panthers don’t really feel comfortable with Legette, they could send him and a 2027 second-round pick in exchange for Thomas and a second-round selection, too.
