Teams are constantly hunting for more and better playmakers. Sometimes, a player just needs a change of scenery to unlock their full potential. Just look at how George Pickens got traded and became a Pro Bowl receiver in his first season. Now, some are suggesting that Brian Thomas Jr. needs a trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars to reach his ceiling.
The 23-year-old has already been a Pro Bowl receiver once, when he recorded 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in his rookie season. But it’s been all downhill since, and now he’s averaging a career-low 29.3 yards per game. According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, Thomas Jr. is a “name worth watching,” but teams looking to trade for him will likely have to be prepared to make a “strong offer.” Here are 11 teams that could make sense.
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Buffalo Bills
11Bills quarterback Josh Allen and the rest of the team wore their new Nickel City uniforms in their game against the Chargers Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.
The Buffalo Bills have gotten strong production out of a receiver group that’s been under scrutiny in recent years. But that doesn’t mean they should be completely satisfied. After all, Keon Coleman hasn’t exactly lived up to his full potential either, and Khalil Shakir has had a slow start to the season. Buffalo’s front office may see the extra upside that Thomas Jr. offers and could be intrigued by adding the 6-foot-2, 209-pound receiver with 4.33 speed to their offense.
Miami Dolphins
11Sep 27, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (2) passes the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The Miami Dolphins still don’t have an alpha receiver, which means they should keep trying to acquire one. It’s possible Thomas Jr. becomes the solution that the Dolphins are seeking, and he may only cost a fraction of the typical price needed to land a top-tier receiver. While the Dolphins are still a year or two away from contention and are still trying to determine whether Malik Willis is a viable QB solution, filling the roster with weapons will only help their signal caller succeed.
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Las Vegas Raiders
11Sep 27, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Still undefeated, the Las Vegas Raiders owe it to themselves to see how far this group can go. They’re set up well, with a thriving veteran QB and potentially their long-term franchise solution still in development. A big sore spot lies with the receiver group. But whether it’s Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders need to supply their QB with more playmakers, and Thomas would surely pair well with a speedster like Tre Tucker.
Los Angeles Chargers
11Sep 27, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws in the second half against the Buffalo Bills at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Chargers have been relying on a lot of youth at the receiver position since saying goodbye to Keenan Allen. Aside from Ladd McConkey, it hasn’t exactly worked out. Perhaps they’d have interest in swapping one big receiver for another, while including a draft pick along with Quentin Johnston. Both teams would be getting former first-round picks who haven’t lived up to their potential, and the Jaguars aren’t the ones desperate for top-notch production thanks to a strong group of receivers.
New York Giants
11Sep 27, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh calls a time out during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The New York Giants have shown that they’re not willing to be complacent after injuries to Jaxson Dart and Brian Burns by trading for J.J. McCarthy. Maybe they’re not done. While they have Malik Nabers and Malachi Fields, the Giants are still combing through their various receiver options after recently saying goodbye to Odell Beckham Jr. What’s the harm in bringing in another high-upside receiver like Thomas to see if he can unlock his true potential under coach John Harbaugh?
Green Bay Packers
11Sep 20, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jayden Reed is out with a season-ending injury, so the Green Bay Packers may be eager to try finding an immediate replacement. While Matthew Golden and Christian Watson are performing well, the Packers are likely considering their options right now, and Thomas is among the best.
Atlanta Falcons
11Sep 24, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Falcons have been searching for playmakers who can help take attention away from Drake London and Bijan Robinson, both of whom had 194 yards last week. But Michael Penix Jr. won’t be able to focus on London and Robinson each week; the Falcons will need a complementary playmaker, and Thomas Jr. could fit the bill.
Carolina Panthers
11Sep 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Bryce Young has been one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks early on, and while Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker are thriving, Xavier Legette hasn’t lived up to his potential. The Carolina Panthers may be ready to swap out Legette for Thomas, hoping he can help this offense reach new heights as they eye another playoff spot, but of course they’d have to sweeten the offer.
Arizona Cardinals
11Sep 27, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
How about swapping one disappointment for another? Both Marvin Harrison Jr. and Thomas Jr. had great rookie seasons, but have trailed off ever since. Both the Arizona Cardinals and Jaguars could feel like a change of scenery is best, and clearly each team had interest in a big, physical, and speedy receiver, so perhaps moving MHJ for BTJ is the solution.
Related: 10 Marvin Harrison Jr. Trade Destinations After NFL Rumors Emerge
Los Angeles Rams
11Sep 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are both in contract years, so the Los Angeles Rams may be seeking a way to secure a long-term playmaker while letting contract negotiations with their star receivers play out later. Plus, in a year where they seem to be all in, why not provide the reigning NFL MVP with another weapon who can perhaps pick up a few tips and tricks from coach Sean McVay and the Pro Bowl receiver duo along the way?
San Francisco 49ers
11Sep 27, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) drops back to pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The San Francisco 49ers have been bitten by the injury bug again, but they’re also undefeated. The front office aggressively pursued and signed Mike Evans this offseason, and what better mentor for Thomas Jr.? Both are bigger receivers with unique levels of speed. Having a 13-year-pro and six-time Pro Bowler to serve as mentor could be the best career move possible for Thomas, and the 49ers just might end up with their next WR1 for the next decade-plus. That’s a gamble worth taking.
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Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on Sportsnaut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports … More about Andrew Buller-Russ