New Jaguars general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen inherited Thomas Jr. from the previous regime. They then aggressively traded up to No. 2 overall during the 2025 NFL Draft and selected wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.
Thomas Jr. was an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate last season after he produced 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s been a poor fit for Coen’s offense while enduring a sophomore slump. The former LSU standout has registered just 27 catches for 365 yards and one touchdown this season.
Perhaps the Jaguars can be convinced to trade Thomas Jr., though Russini’s report doesn’t consider it likely. Gladstone is fielding calls, however. We’ve identified three potential fits for Thomas Jr. via trade.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers may be the most aggressive team searching for wide receiver help at the deadline. They’re in win-now mode with 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers on a one-year contract. The 4-3 Steelers have lost two consecutive contests and should be wary of the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens making a push for the AFC North division.
Arthur Smith’s passing offense is overly reliant on D.K. Metcalf. A veteran like Calvin Ridley or Jakobi Meyers could be a better trade-deadline fit, but Thomas Jr. has the most upside of the potential receivers available. The Steelers are all-in, and Thomas Jr. would be one helluva acquisition.
New York Giants
The New York Giants are still rebuilding the roster around franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart. General manager Joe Schoen is likely to be a seller, not a buyer, at the NFL trade deadline. But if there’s an opportunity to acquire a young stud receiver like Thomas Jr., Schoen should be attentive to the situation.
Superstar wideout Malik Nabers suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Wan’Dale Robinson has performed admirably, but the Giants generally have a lack of depth at the position behind their go-to weapon. Darius Slayton won’t be around forever, and Jalin Hyatt is creeping towards bust territory. Thomas Jr. would pair with Nabers on rookie contracts to help Dart keep developing on the appropriate trajectory.
Denver Broncos
The 6-2 Denver Broncos are the hottest team in the NFL. Their ongoing five-game win streak is tied for the league’s best following Week 8. They lead the AFC West division regardless of the Kansas City Chiefs‘ result versus the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football.
Sophomore quarterback Bo Nix is enjoying another quality campaign. The second-year signal caller has thrown for 1,803 yards and five touchdowns while completing 62.8% of his passing attempts. Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and Troy Franklin have taken turns as Nix’s favorite target this season. The Broncos have quality depth, but Thomas Jr. would be the most talented receiver in the room.