As the opening days of the new league year unfolded, Brian Thomas Jr.‘s name was once again mentioned in trade speculation. Follow-up reporting stated the Jaguars do not intend to deal the third-year wideout, something general manager James Gladstone has since confirmed. 
Gladstone described rumors about a Thomas trade as “fraudulent”, adding, (via NFL.com) “there hasn’t been a ton of dialogue around that front as teams check in simply because it seems like — I know the word reputable came up earlier — I don’t think there’s been any reputable statement. We don’t have any real action on any of those fronts.”
Gladstone confirmed no offers have been made at this point. Indeed, NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reports (video link) a recent call made by an AFC team “went nowhere” with respect to trade talks. Thomas was the subject of interest leading up to the 2025 trade deadline, but no deal was made. His rookie contract runs through 2027 with a fifth-year option covering 2028 needing to be made next spring.
Thomas enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign, racking up 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Jaguars were successful overall during the first year with Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen in place, but Thomas himself saw his production (albeit not his efficiency with a 14.7 yards per catch average) suffer a drop. Upon returning to full health, Travis Hunter is on track to be used primarily as a cornerback. That will leave Thomas, Jakobi Meyers – who landed a three-year, $60MM deal after a strong post-trade showing in Jacksonville – and Parker Washington atop the full-time WR depth chart.
The Jags ranked 12th in the NFL in passing in 2025, leaving plenty of room for improvement moving forward. The team’s efforts to build off a 13-4 campaign could include a heavy reliance on Thomas, 23, next season. As the offseason market continues to take shape, the possibility of other offers in this case will of course remain. Based on the latest Thomas updates, though, a swap would come as a surprise.