The Los Angeles Rams were among the NFL’s top teams last season, reaching the NFC Championship Game behind an MVP-caliber campaign from veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and the league’s No. 1 total offense. That unit was powered by one of the NFL’s most dynamic wide receiver duos in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Nacua delivered an All-Pro season, leading the league with 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns. Adams, who effectively replaced former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp in Los Angeles, led the NFL in receiving touchdowns with 14 while adding 789 yards.
As the Rams head into the 2026 NFL Draft, wide receiver remains a key area of focus. The team could use a reliable third option and a potential long-term successor to Adams, who will turn 34 next season. However, with Stafford still playing at a high level, Los Angeles remains firmly in win-now mode and could pursue a proven playmaker.
Puka Nacua and Davante Adams celebrate after a touchdown during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
(Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)
Bleacher Report analyst Gary Davenport proposed one such scenario, suggesting the Rams could trade for Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jaguars receive: 2026 Round 1 pick (No. 13), 2026 Round 3 pick (No. 93), 2027 Round 4 pick
Rams receive: Brian Thomas Jr., 2026 Round 4 pick (No. 124)
The idea draws parallels to general manager Les Snead’s aggressive move to acquire Stafford after his disciple, Brad Holmes, was hired as the Detroit Lions general manager, a deal that ultimately led to a Super Bowl title. Now, Snead could potentially strike again, this time dealing with James Gladstone, a former Rams executive and current Jaguars general manager.
Davenport believes the move makes sense:
“Yes, the Rams already have a formidable duo of wide receivers in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. But it has been a bumpy offseason for Nacua off the field, and Adams is 33 and missed three games last year.
“Adding Thomas to the wideout corps in Los Angeles would give the Rams a terrifying trio of pass-catchers in the short-term and a potential replacement for Adams in the long-term—one the Rams don’t necessarily need to cut a fat check to for some time.”
Thomas, the No. 23 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, impressed as a rookie with 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, his production dipped last season, finishing with 48 receptions for 707 yards and two scores, and fueling speculation about his future in Jacksonville.
While Gladstone has publicly dismissed trade rumors as “fraudulent,” league chatter continues to build. According to The Athletic’s Mike Sando, one NFL executive said he would not be surprised if Thomas is moved during this year’s draft.
If the Jaguars ultimately decide to deal him, the Rams could emerge as a logical landing spot. Adding Thomas would give Los Angeles arguably the most dangerous receiving corps in the league and further strengthen Stafford’s case for another MVP-caliber season.
However, the cost may give pause. While Thomas is entering the third year of his rookie contract, with a manageable cap hit of $2.1 million and $2.8 million over the next two seasons, surrendering a first-round pick for a player coming off a down year might appear costly even for a front office as aggressive as Snead’s.
Given Snead’s track record, another bold move cannot be ruled out. The question is whether the Rams are willing to pay a premium to give Stafford the NFL’s most dangerous receiving trio.
Related: Rams Predicted to Reunite with 10-Time Pro Bowler
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.