Pros and cons of a potential Brian Thomas Jr. trade for Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars wouldn't really do it, would they?

On Saturday, The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini dropped a trade deadline nugget to keep track of, reporting that the Jaguars "are listening on calls for WR Brian Thomas Jr., even if a move feels highly unlikely."

The second-year pro, while in the midst of an underwhelming season, had 87 receptions, 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie last season.

Below, we examine three reasons why Jacksonville should and shouldn't consider a Thomas trade.

Pros of a potential Brian Thomas Jr. trade

1) Recoup lost draft capital/acquire defensive talent | Depending on his value, the Jaguars could gather future draft picks, players ready to contribute in 2025, or both by trading Thomas. First-year Jacksonville general manager James Gladstone traded away the team's 2026 first-round pick to move up to select cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter. Would a team on the cusp of the Super Bowl consider Thomas a big enough piece to trade a Day 1 pick?

Russini also noted that Jacksonville is seeking defensive help as the Nov. 4 trade deadline nears, and adding a player who moves the needle on that side of the ball could be an intriguing option as well.

2) Build around current regime | Along with Gladstone, head coach Liam Coen is also in his first season with the Jaguars. Drafted by the organization's former braintrust (general manager Trent Baalke and head coach Doug Pederson), Thomas might not fully align with the current staff's plans for the offense. By dealing him, Gladstone and Coen can add players who fit their system.

3) Strike while iron still has heat | NFL memories are short, but they aren't that short. As much as Thomas has failed to live up to his sensational rookie season, teams haven't forgotten what he did as a rookie. Less than a year ago, he was one of the league's most productive wideouts. From Weeks 11-18 last season (seven games), Thomas had 50 receptions, 675 yards and five touchdowns, a pace of 121.4 receptions, 1,639.3 yards and 13.5 touchdowns over the course of a full season. That type of production doesn't happen by accident. Some team could be willing to bet it's getting a WR1 in a Thomas deal, and it might be right.

Cons of a potential Brian Thomas Jr. trade

1) Potentially selling low | As promising as Thomas is, his struggles to replicate his rookie season so far in Year 2 raise concern. That might lead inquiring teams to offer less than what Thomas is likely worth. Under contract through at least 2027 (2028 with his fifth-year option exercised), the Jaguars shouldn't be in a rush to deal him for anything less than max value.

2) Leaves Jacksonville with void at wide receiver | A 1-2 receiving pair of Thomas and Hunter has the potential to one day be among the best in the league. Removing Thomas would not only rob the duo of a chance of growing together but also allow defenses to focus their attention on stopping the rookie two-way star. The Jaguars' other top options at wide receiver, Dyami Brown and Parker Washington, are better served as secondary or tertiary options in the passing attack, leaving them thin with starting-caliber weapons.

3) Overreaction to early-season slump | Worst of all, trading Thomas would be little more than a panic move. After a ghastly start to the season, he's slowly started to offer better production with 20 receptions on 30 targets for 250 yards and a touchdown from Weeks 4-7. Over his first three games, Thomas had seven receptions on 25 targets, gaining 115 yards. Players, particularly younger pros, are going to have slumps. It would be rash to part with Thomas so soon.