Jaguars trade rumor gives Giants, Bills, Steelers unexpected WR target ahead of deadline

The Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills and New York Giants should immediately be putting in a call to the Jacksonville Jaguars after a new rumor surfaced Saturday.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Jaguars are "listening on calls for WR Brian Thomas Jr.," although she notes that the young wideout being moved "feels highly unlikely."

"The Jaguars are listening on calls for WR Brian Thomas Jr., even if a move feels highly unlikely," Russini reported on Saturday.

Of course, "listening on calls" is very different than actually having a desire to trade a player, but this rumor from Russini does at least open the door slightly for a Thomas trade.

That said, it would be shocking if Thomas is moved.

He has no doubt regressed in 2025, but the former first-round pick displayed elite potential during his rookie campaign after finishing with 1,282 yards. The Jags would be crazy to give up on him this soon.

Adding to that, Thomas is on a cheap rookie contract and trading him would leave the Jaguars, who are legitimately vying for a playoff spot, extremely thin at wide receiver.

Thomas would be a dream addition for all three of the aforementioned teams, as his contract wouldn't be difficult to squeeze in, and if his fifth-year option is picked up down the line, Thomas would be around through 2028.

The Bills are limited thanks to their tight cap space situation, so adding a cheaper player with elite upside like Thomas would be ideal.

New York may be hesitant to part with its draft capital because the team is nowhere close to competing and still needs to build, but it would be easier to trade assets knowing Thomas will be around for multiple years.

The Steelers, on the other hand, don't have to worry about money or draft capital, so just about everything is in play. Even still, landing a cheap young wideout like Thomas remains the most ideal scenario for Pittsburgh.

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