Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who shone as a rookie with 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns, has seen his role diminish in 2024 despite the team's 5-2 start. Through seven games, Thomas has just 10 catches for 117 yards, ranking fifth on the team in both categories, and has played only 44% of offensive snaps with significant week-to-week fluctuation. Head coach Liam Coen and quarterback Trevor Lawrence have publicly backed Thomas, with Lawrence calling him "so talented" after his first catch since Week 4 came in a blowout win over the Colts. The Jaguars' deep receiving corps — including Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, tight end Brenton Strange, and running back Bhayshul Tuten — have all surpassed Thomas in receptions, though he retains a unique deep-threat ability.
Potential Trade Packages
Using the recent Marvin Harrison Jr. trade (Houston sent 2027 second- and seventh-round picks to Arizona for Harrison and a 2027 sixth-rounder) as a framework, CBS Sports outlines four possible destinations:
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs receive: WR Brian Thomas Jr. Jaguars receive: 2027 third-round pick, 2028 sixth-round pick. Kansas City owns an extra 2027 third-rounder from the Trent McDuffie trade and desperately needs a vertical threat; Patrick Mahomes has not completed a pass 20+ yards downfield in his last three games. In a key loss to Denver, the Chiefs' leading receivers were running back Emmett Johnson and tight end Travis Kelce, while top wideout Rashee Rice operates mainly in the quick game. The main obstacle is Jacksonville strengthening a direct AFC rival.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers receive: WR Brian Thomas Jr. Jaguars receive: 2027 third-round pick, T Dylan Cook. Pittsburgh, hampered by injuries, could sweeten the offer with Cook, a backup tackle who has starting experience. The Jaguars lost starting tackle Anton Harrison for the season, leaving their offensive line depth thin. Cook recently lost his starting job to Max Iheanachor but remains a capable option.
Las Vegas Raiders
Raiders receive: WR Brian Thomas Jr. Jaguars receive: 2027 third-round pick. Las Vegas (4-4, 1-4 in its last five) is not viewed as a contender and has a clear long-term need at wide receiver, especially with the anticipated transition from Kirk Cousins to No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Star tight end Brock Bowers lacks a consistent outside complement, and Thomas could fill that role if he rediscovers his rookie form.
Washington Commanders
Commanders receive: WR Brian Thomas Jr. Jaguars receive: 2027 fourth-round pick, DT Shy Tuttle. Washington (2-4-1) sits in a weak NFC East and faces a pivotal Week 9 matchup against the Rams. Thomas was a college teammate of quarterback Jayden Daniels at LSU, and the Commanders see him as an investment for both the present and future. With Terry McLaurin out for the season and a potential contract exit looming, plus Stefon Diggs on a one-year deal, adding Thomas makes sense. Including Tuttle addresses Jacksonville's need for interior defensive line help after DaVon Hamilton's injury.
