Trade rumors involving Brian Thomas Jr. were rampant early in the offseason. However, the chatter has died down substantially since the Jacksonville Jaguars have made it clear that they're not moving on from him anytime soon. Coupled with the fact that the 2024 first-round pick has looked in practice like the receiver who shook the NFL as a rookie, it's becoming increasingly hard to see the Jags shopping him anytime soon.
That said, some teams could still be holding out hopes Thomas will be available, as unlikely as it may be right now. But that hasn't stopped an analyst from coming up with a suggestion that would allow the Los Angeles Rams to land the third-year wideout.
The Rams could be interested in Brian Thomas Jr. (but the Jaguars won't give him away)
Brock Viera of USA TODAY Sports suggests the Los Angeles Rams could be a trade destination for Brian Thomas Jr., arguing that he would be an ideal heir apparent for Davante Adams.
On paper, Thomas would be a perfect replacement for Adams, who's still a dependable receiver but is slated to become a free agent. The issue with Viera's pitch is that it simply doesn't make sense.
Leaving aside that Thomas isn't on the trade block, Viera argues that Thomas may not get enough targets in Jacksonville but would get just the right amount with the Rams to put up better numbers.
"Thomas is simply a victim of being ini an offense that spreads the ball around, especially since Liam Coen loves to run the football," Viera wrote. "In the Rams' offense, he would receiver the amount of targets that would elevate his stat sheet to the level that properly reflects his talent and promise."
That alone wouldn't be a reason to trade Thomas. Sure, head coach Liam Coen likes to spread the ball, but that doesn't mean Jacksonville will move on from the Walker, Louisiana native. If anything, the Jags are better off keeping him around because his ability to get deep opens things on offense.
Viera later argues that the Rams need a receiver who can help Matthew Stafford come down with tough catches.
"With Matthew Stafford's career winding down, he needs playmakers who can make tough catches in case he has to start forcing throws," Viera said.
Coincidentally, that's an area where Thomas struggled last year. Not only was he plagued with drops, but he was also unwilling to reel in catches in the middle of the field.
Lastly, the reasons Viera lays out that make Thomas a compelling trade target are precisely the same reasons why the Jags would hang up the phone if the Rams or any other team inquired about No. 7.
"Thomas also has two years remaining on his rookie deal, plus a fifth-year option. That means any extensions wouldn't start until 2029, providing the Rams the financial flexibility needed to work all these contracts within the cap."
For context, Thomas has cap hits of $3.9 million and $4.6 million in 2026 and 2027, respectively. His team-friendly contract will allow the Jags to re-sign other players and address the larger scale roster over the next two years.
Why the Jaguars won't trade Brian Thomas Jr. to the Rams
Even though James Gladstone and Rams general manager Les Snead have a strong relationship, the Jaguars won't give Brian Thomas Jr. up in exchange for chump change. Even if Los Angeles offered a first-rounder, it doesn't make sense to trade Thomas, especially if he truly bounces back as he's expected.
Granted, plans all change all the time, and the Jags could decide to eventually move on from Brian Thomas Jr. This would be feasible if Parker Washington re-signs and both rookies Josh Cameron and CJ Williams flash early on. Maybe then, Jacksonville would consider moving Thomas, but there's currently no realistic path in which they move the former LSU Tiger, let alone to Los Angeles.
The truth is that the Jaguars are seemingly high on Thomas even after his disappointing 2025. They expect him to get back on track next season. If he does, he probably won't leave Jacksonville anytime soon.
