Jacksonville Jaguars Eye First-Round Trade Using Brian Thomas Jr. as Bait

The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly exploring a trade to reacquire a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially using receiver Brian Thomas Jr. as leverage. Last year, the team surrendered this year’s first-round selection to move up three spots and draft Travis Hunter.

As the draft approaches, insiders suggest the Jaguars may attempt to trade into the bottom of the first round. Thomas has been a frequent subject of trade speculation, though General Manager James Gladstone dismissed such rumors as "fraudulent" last month.

Thomas delivered a strong rookie campaign in 2024, recording 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games. In contrast, his 2025 season saw a dip in production, with 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games.

Other receivers on the roster include Parker Washington, who led the team in 2025 with 58 catches and 847 receiving yards, and Jakobi Meyers, who contributed 42 catches for 483 yards in nine games after being traded from the Raiders.

Travis Hunter, a versatile receiver from last year’s draft, remains a wildcard. If he continues in a receiver role, he could join Washington and Meyers to form the team’s top three options at the position—assuming the trade rumors hold merit.

The Jaguars’ ability to execute a trade hinges on whether a coveted player is still available after the first 20 picks and if a team in that range would prefer to swap its first-round selection for Thomas. The team’s first pick won’t come until the 24th selection in the second round, following 55 other selections. Jacksonville holds a total of 10 draft picks, including three third-round selections.