The Jacksonville Jaguars aren’t trading Brian Thomas Jr. The team plans to keep the receiver through Tuesday’s 3 p.m. CT deadline and has relayed that to interested teams, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Tuesday morning.
“Coming off multiple big trades Monday, Jacksonville plans to keep its roster intact, barring a surprise,” Fowler wrote. The Jaguars added defensive tackle Jordan Davis from the Philadelphia Eagles, safety Jessie Bates from the Atlanta Falcons and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux from the New Orleans Saints, giving up 2027 first- and second-round picks along the way.
Thomas’ role has nearly disappeared
Thomas was a trade candidate because of how little he’s being used. He has played 43% of the offensive snaps this season after playing 80% as a rookie, per NFLTradeRumors.co, and the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders were all linked to him.
Jacksonville still sees value in him. SI’s Albert Breer reported the Jaguars want to keep his ability to threaten defenses downfield, which Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers don’t offer. He is in the third year of his rookie deal, and the Jaguars hold a fifth-year option for 2028.
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By our count, Thomas has one catch for 12 yards on seven targets over the Jaguars’ last four games. He had nine catches for 105 yards over the first four, and he finished his 2024 rookie season with 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns, according to ESPN.
The 6-2 Jaguars lead the AFC South and visit the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. After loading up on defense, keeping Thomas means betting he can still become a factor in the second half of the season.
More on the Jacksonville Jaguars
- Jaguars Are Building a Defensive Front to Win in January, and Will McDonald IV Was Next
- Jaguars Have Hours to Land Andrew Wylie, and 1 Deadline Trade They Need to Avoid
- Jags Send NFL a Message With Jordan Davis, Jessie Bates Trades
- James Gladstone Goes Full Will Snead as Jaguars Pull From 2029 to Acquire Jordan Davis
