Despite a sophomore slump, the Pro Bowl receiver remains a high-upside asset. His chemistry with Trevor Lawrence and affordable rookie contract make him too valuable to trade.
To trade, or not to trade?
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has been the subject of trade rumors as of late.
Some have even suggested trading Thomas for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown, who's been in trade talks as well. But the Jaguars should keep the third-year receiver and here's why.
Brian Thomas Jr.'s Potential
Brian Thomas Jr. was drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 23rd overall. In his rookie season in 2024, Thomas Jr. dominated, catching 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning a spot in the 2025 Pro Bowl as an injury replacement.
The future looked bright for Thomas Jr., but his second season in the NFL wasn't that great as he only had 48 receptions for 707 yards and two touchdowns, taking a hit in production. Thomas is a fast receiver who can create separation consistently against opposing defensive backs.
Thomas has shown that he can be a great receiver but his consistency has to be there. A lot of players go through a sophomore slump in the NFL, but keeping him for this third season may be worth it.
On A Rookie contract
Thomas Jr. is still on his rookie contract and they don't have to extended him for quite some time. Thomas Jr can play the rest of his rookie contract out and the Jaguars don't have to invest much more into it, although the investment they did make, drafting him in the first round has paid off for the most part, based on how great his rookie season was.
Rapport With Trevor Lawrence
Thomas Jr. seems to have a good rapport with Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence as he was targeted 133 times in 2024, and 91 in 2025, although, a lot of those targets were from quarterback Mac Jones last season. Thomas can be a focal point of the offense even with other players like Ja'Kobi Meyers and Parker Washington. With the good receivers that Jacksonville has, Thomas Jr. can get more single coverage and more one on one matchups, which can work well for him, given his talent.
Thomas did have a few drops in 2025, with eight, according to Pro Football Focus. But, Thomas Jr. can still play at a high level and it's worth it to keep him for the 2026 season.
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