Wide receiver Brian Thomas’ career has taken a nosedive since the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round draft pick appeared to be on the fast track to stardom as a rookie in 2024.
Clearly, Thomas has not fit into Liam Coen’s plan. Coen was hired as Jaguars coach last year, and Thomas saw a significant drop in his production.
This year, things are even worse.
In six games (three starts), Thomas has just nine receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown. Thomas likely is to be a topic of trade discussions. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Saturday that multiple teams believe he could be dealt before the Nov. 10 trading deadline.
The 49ers will not have their top five wide receivers on the field Sunday, when they play the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7.
Thomas could be an intriguing option because he would not be just a half-season rental. Thomas is signed through the 2027 season.
The 49ers hit on a trade a year ago when they acquired defensive lineman Keion White and a seventh-round draft pick from the New England Patriots for a sixth-round selection.
What made the deal even more attractive to the 49ers was that White had another year on his contract. White leads the 49ers with 3.5 sacks this season and has been an invaluable part of the team’s defensive-line rotation.
The 49ers might feel good about their future at wide receiver. They have Mike Evans, De’Zhaun Stribling, Ricky Pearsall, Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing under contract for next year. Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson, Brandin Cooks and Christian Kirk are scheduled for free agency in the offseason.
Thomas (6-foot-2, 209 pounds) had a Pro Bowl season as a rookie. He caught 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. He showed he can produce big numbers, so there are sure to be teams interested in acquiring him from the Jaguars, where he has tumbled down the depth chart.
Thomas played just 15 snaps in the Jaguars’ loss to the Houston Texans last week. Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington and rookie Josh Cameron all played at least twice as many snaps as Thomas.
The 49ers expect to start getting some of their receivers back after the bye week. Evans is nursing a sore Achilles, while Robinson (ankle), Samuel (hamstring) and Stribling (ankle) could be back in action in November.
While a potential trade for Thomas might not be considered an urgent matter, the 49ers could be interested if they do not have to give up much to obtain him.