March 8, 2026, 5:42 p.m. ET

It would “be a surprise” if the Jacksonville Jaguars traded wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., says one NFL insider.

Ahead of free agency starting, CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones had this to say in a post on X:

“Considering how the Jaguars offense flourished down the stretch, it would be a surprise if JAX dealt WR Brian Thomas Jr. There’s been speculation that they could move him, but the Jags value the 2024 first rounder.”

This speculation around Thomas Jr.’s future with the team really began during last season’s trade deadline as he struggled to find his footing in Liam Coen’s offense. However, whenever Coen or James Gladstone have been asked about Thomas Jr.’s role and future with the team, they’ve made no indication that either was in jeopardy.

After a highly productive rookie season that included Thomas Jr. totaling 1,282 receiving yards with 10 touchdowns, in 2025, he totaled just 728 yards and three touchdowns. Drops were an issue as well.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

However, moving on from Thomas Jr. has never made much sense.

For one, Thomas Jr. is also entering the third year of his rookie deal, and given his previous production coupled with his potential, that is a tremendous value for the Jaguars, who still have two years of team control plus a fifth-year option.

Then, going beyond the production that Thomas Jr. can bring to this offense, when he was sidelined last season with an ankle injury, his presence within the offense was very much missed.

With his ability to stretch the field, that creates better spacing and opportunities for others to exploit. When Thomas Jr. was sidelined, this element was missing, and the Jaguars felt the effects of that.

Lastly, with Travis Hunter reportedly playing cornerback full-time and wide receiver part-time, Thomas Jr. is going to remain a big part of this offense moving forward.

Within Coen’s offense, there may not be a true WR1 option, with the ball being spread around from week-to-week based on what the matchup dictates. However, Thomas Jr. still very much has a role on this team and can be a difference-maker.