.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
The Cleveland Browns entered the 2026 NFL offseason with two position groups that had to improve in a big way. Those were the offensive line and the wide receiver rooms.
So far, the OL has improved in a big way, with four new possible starters at every spot other than left tackle. The same cannot be said about the WR room, with Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Isaiah Bond still being the top-three options.
To fix this issue, Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report predicted that the Browns would execute a full-circle trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, sending the 24th pick in exchange for Brian Thomas Jr., getting a true No. 1 WR for Shedeur Sanders.
Browns predicted to trade for Brian Thomas Jr.
"In what could be a fascinating turn of events reminiscent of the film Draft Day, the Cleveland Browns could send this year's first-round pick originally acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars back to where it belongs, with wide receiver Brian Thomas JR. being the cost of doing business," Sobleski writes.
This would be a massive trade for a new number one wide receiver, and while it might seem ridiculous, there has been plenty of smoke about a trade of Thomas this offseason.
Some teams might not be willing to part with a first-rounder for Thomas, but the Browns, with two first-round picks and an early second-rounder, could afford such a deal.
Thomas is only 23 years old and is only available due to a wild drop-off from his rookie season performance when he was a Pro Bowler.
In 2024, Thomas caught 87 of 133 targets for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. In 2025, Thomas caught 48 of 91 targets for 707 yards and two touchdowns.
More: Browns agree to deals with Elgton Jenkins and Teven Jenkins
While he played three fewer games in 2025, his numbers were still way down from a year ago. He averaged the same yards-per-reception, but his 47.3% success rate compared to 55.6% in his rookie year is a noteworthy drop-off.
He averaged 25 fewer yards-per-game than he did in his rookie season, and with an 11.3% drop rate compared to just 5.3% in 2024, there are concerns about his game.
But that's exactly why Thomas, a 23-year-old WR who has already been a Pro Bowler and had more than 1,200 yards and 10 TDs in a season, is even available.
The Jaguars don't need him with Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, and Travis Hunter, so Thomas might be a very realistic trade target for the Browns.
This prediction from Sobleski is one that Browns fans should hope comes true, as even though the 24th overall pick might be a bit too rich for Thomas after his struggles, it's a risk worth taking with the WRs in the 2026 draft not being as enticing as Thomas.
English (US)