Jaguars, Bills Connected In Brian Thomas Trade Talks

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas is a popular name on the trade block, and it’s easy to see why. A first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the LSU product set the world on fire with a dominant rookie season. Appearing in all 17 games, Thomas finished his inaugural season with 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns on 133 targets and looked like one of the league’s best young receivers. However, he had a season to forget in 2025, finishing the year with just 48 receptions for 707 yards and two touchdowns on 91 targets.

Thomas simply hasn’t been able to establish a rapport with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and the wideout currently finds himself buried on the depth chart behind Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington. Seeing as a sizable chunk of his rookie success came with Mac Jones under center, it stands to reason he could recapture that form in a new environment. In a recent article, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports made his case for the Bills trading their first-round pick for his services.

“Yes, the Bills already got WR DJ Moore from Chicago for a second-round pick,” Vacchiano writes. “But they need to do better for QB Josh Allen, so why not go all-in on their biggest weakness and turn it into a strength?… With Allen, two top receivers, and RB James Cooks, the Bills’ offense might be impossible to stop.”

Bills, Jaguars Connected In Brian Thomas Trade Rumor

The Jacksonville Jaguars say they won’t trade Brian Thomas, but it would be hard to turn down a first-round pick. Thomas proved he has the potential to be a WR1 with his strong rookie season, but last year showed he’s not an ideal fit for the new coaching staff and quarterback. Securing a first-round pick for a player that might not start is simply good business, especially since the jury is still out on whether his rookie season was a fluke.

The Jaguars could also use all the draft capital they can get following the Travis Hunter trade. Jacksonville surrendered heaven and earth for the two-way player and currently do not have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This roster is solid, but they could use an infusion of young, high-end talent. Chances are, Jacksonville would agree to this Brian Thomas trade, but would the Bills?

Supporting Josh Allen

As mentioned above, the Buffalo Bills already spent big draft capital in the D.J. Moore trade, so they might not be willing to give up a first-round pick for Brian Thomas. Additionally, while Thomas would help to improve the depth chart, Moore isn’t the only reliable receiver on the roster. Khalil Shakir has established himself as Allen’s go-to receiver, and tight end Dalton Kincaid is a solid option. Nobody will confuse this depth chart with the 2007 New England Patriots, but it’s good enough to support an elite quarterback like Allen.

Quite frankly, Buffalo would be better off using their first-round pick on one of the receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft class. While that player would be an unknown, Thomas is no sure thing himself, and a prospect would be cheaper with more years of team control.