The New York Jets have an obvious need at the wide receiver position. While star receiver Garrett Wilson is a key asset, the team lacks a clear-cut WR2, making the position a likely priority this offseason.
The need is clear from last year’s struggles. Despite appearing in only seven games due to injuries, Wilson still led the team in receiving yards with 395, showing just how unproductive the rest of the receiving corps was.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently suggested that Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas could be made available via trade, with the Jets potentially among the suitors.
“There’s no reason for the Jaguars to trade Thomas unless they can land something significant in return. To me, that would be a first-round pick,” wrote Barnwell. “The Jets could put together a package that adds up to something more than a late first-rounder.”
Thomas, 23, is still young and full of potential, but Barnwell suggested the Jaguars could be willing to move on given the crowded wide receiver room in Jacksonville.
“The Jaguars might prefer to keep Thomas to see if they can coax a resurgent year out of the 23-year-old, but with Travis Hunter returning to the lineup next year, Coen might prefer to move forward with Washington, Meyers, Hunter and either an outside addition or somebody like Tim Patrick (a pending free agent) as the wideout core. Critically, a Thomas trade would return meaningful draft capital for a Jaguars team that traded its 2026 first-round pick to the Browns to acquire Hunter.”
GettyWR Brian Thomas Jr.
Jets Draft Capital Matches Jaguars Needs
As Barnwell noted, the Jaguars are without a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and already have a strong wide receiver room. If they are seeking draft capital or a trade involving Thomas, the Jets would be a natural suitor.
New York holds two first-round picks, numbers 2 and 16, along with the 33rd and 44th picks in the second round, among other selections later in the draft. With that kind of draft capital, the Jets have the assets to put together an intriguing package for the Jacksonville wide receiver.
GettyThe Jets hold enough draft capital to make a trade for the Jacksonville WR.
What Adding Brian Thomas Jr. Would Mean for the Jets
If the Jets were able to pull off a trade for Thomas, the WR2 hole would be filled immediately. The 23-year-old has already shown the ability to be a productive receiver early in his NFL career.
In 2024, his rookie season, Thomas broke out with 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, according to ESPN.
In 2025, his production dipped to 707 yards and two touchdowns, per ESPN.
The decline in performance might be linked to Jacksonville’s new offensive system, as Liam Coen took over as head coach this past season, bringing a different scheme compared to 2024.
There is no doubt that Thomas has star potential if used correctly after what he showed in the 2024 season, and financially the Jets would not have to worry about paying that much.
“Thomas is also owed just under $5 million combined over the next two seasons and has a potential fifth-year option in 2028, which would be incredibly valuable given his level of production as a rookie,” wrote Barnwell.
GettyAdding Thomas would open up plays for WR1 Garrett Wilson.
Jets Linked to Jaguars WR in Potential Offseason Trade