The New England Patriots saw drastic improvement from their wide receiver room in 2025. But questions still remain at the position entering 2026.

Chief among them: Will their No. 1 wideout still be on the team?

Stefon Diggs, who became the first Patriots receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019 to top 1,000 receiving yards in a season, is set to make $20.6 million in 2026 with a $26.5 million cap hit that would be the second-highest on the team behind only defensive tackle Milton Williams.

Mike Vrabel and Co. could decide Diggs’ veteran leadership and chemistry with young quarterback Drake Maye is worth that cost. But releasing Diggs could save them nearly $17 million in cap space, potentially allowing them to invest in a younger (and potentially cheaper) No. 1 receiver.

One player who could fit that mold? Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr., who has been rumored as a potential trade target this offseason.

Why the Jaguars might trade Thomas

Jacksonville hasn’t publicly made Thomas available for trade, but the signs are there: After a brilliant rookie season in 2024 — 87 catches, 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns — Thomas regressed significantly in 2025, recording 48 catches for 707 yards and two TDs in 14 games played.

Thomas caught just 52.7 percent of his targets last season while looking out of sync with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. With Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter and Parker Washington also in the mix at wide receiver, the Jaguars can afford to deal Thomas to give him a fresh start while fetching a decent return.

What a trade for Thomas might cost

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently proposed a hypothetical Jaguars-Bills trade in which Buffalo sends wide receiver Keon Coleman and a 2026 first-round pick (No. 26 overall) to Jacksonville in return for Thomas and a 2026 fifth-round pick.

Using that model, the Patriots could send their first-round pick (No. 31 overall) and a depth receiver (DeMario Douglas, perhaps?) to the Jaguars in exchange for Thomas and a mid-round pick.

Why the Patriots SHOULD trade for Thomas

With all due respect to Kayshon Boutte, the Patriots still could benefit from a legitimate vertical threat in the passing game. Alec Pierce would be a great fit in free agency, but if he signs elsewhere, the talent in the 2026 free-agent class drops off fairly quickly.

Thomas was a bona fide field stretcher for Jacksonville as a rookie, racking up 18 catches of 20 yards or more (seventh-most among NFL receivers) while averaging 14.7 yards per reception. If all he needs is a change of scenery — Thomas also would be reuniting with a fellow LSU alum in Boutte — Thomas has all the physical skills to thrive with Maye as his quarterback.

Thomas still has two years left on his rookie deal, as well, and has a combined cap hit of less than $9 million over the next two seasons ($4 million in 2026; $4.6 million in 2027).

Why the Patriots SHOULDN’T trade for Thomas

Yes, Maye could use another weapon. But he just helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl with a 32-year-old Diggs, Boutte and Mack Hollins as his top wideouts.

New England has more pressing needs elsewhere on the roster — most notably offensive line depth and edge rusher help — and should use the No. 31 pick in this year’s draft to invest in a young, cost-controlled player at either position.

Thomas is a tantalizing trade target based on his 2024 production, but his sharp decline in 2025 should give the Patriots pause, as there’s no guarantee he’d suddenly revert to his rookie self on a new team.

The verdict

At the very least, the Patriots should do their due diligence on Thomas to determine if he’s a viable trade candidate at the right price. If the cost is only a late-first-round pick, there’s a case for betting on the 23-year-old’s upside.

Vrabel is trying to establish a program built for long-term success, however, and if he and his staff find any red flags on Thomas, there’s a good chance they hold onto their assets and lean into the draft.