Steelers, Chiefs To Pursue Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.?

Given that Thomas’ playing time has plummeted in 2026, it is difficult to predict the type of offer he will attract now. But according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, league executives believe the end of Thomas’ tenure in Duval is near, a report that is echoed by Jonathan Jones of The Athletic and The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero.

The Steelers were among the clubs to express interest in Thomas last season, and Pittsburgh is again in the market for wide receiver help, as Jones reiterates. The team has already been connected to the Colts’ Josh Downs, and Jason La Canfora of Casino.org says the Steelers may re-enter the Thomas sweepstakes.

The Chiefs are said to be seeking reinforcements at WR, which Jones also confirms. In a segment on SportsCenter (video link), Fowler reports Kansas City has “multiple lines in the water” with respect to a receiver addition, and he implies that both the Chiefs and Steelers could go after Thomas.

If Jacksonville does decide to pull the trigger, it will not be until closer to the November 10 deadline, per Pelissero and Fowler. The Jags play the Colts on Sunday and will have a Week 9 tilt with the Ravens on Thursday. It appears they want to retain Thomas at least through the Baltimore contest, so interested teams may need to weigh an immediate Downs pursuit – the Colts have already swung several big trades and are clearly open for business – against a delayed Thomas chase.

Despite Thomas’ uninspiring 9/105/1 mark through six appearances this season, he was tremendous as a rookie, posting 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 scores. It is easy enough to attribute his regression to the regime change brought upon when Liam Coen was hired as head coach in 2025, and Fowler says Jacksonville’s inability to successfully incorporate Thomas’ skill set in its offense is a “mystery.”

Teams in search of WR help may agree and may see the 24-year-old’s first-round pedigree and rookie-year production as upside worth betting on.