{"id":788092,"date":"2026-03-03T02:55:27","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T02:55:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/788092\/"},"modified":"2026-03-03T02:55:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T02:55:27","slug":"cant-take-that-chance-james-harrison-against-steelers-pursuing-jaguars-wr-brian-thomas-jr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/788092\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Can’t Take That Chance’: James Harrison Against Steelers Pursuing Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr."},"content":{"rendered":"

Free agency is almost here, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have several positions that they could upgrade. They kicked off free agency last year by trading for DK Metcalf. Wide receiver is still one of their biggest needs, and perhaps they could execute another trade. Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is one name that\u2019s been floated<\/a> as a potential trade candidate. However, James Harrison is against Pittsburgh making a deal for Thomas.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne, I just don\u2019t think it\u2019s gonna happen,\u201d Harrison said Monday on his Deebo and Joe podcast.<\/a> \u201cTwo, I wouldn\u2019t pursue it. I don\u2019t like his decline in his performance over [last] season. And he would be coming to Pittsburgh and playing in not ideal weather and you was down there in Jacksonville. I can\u2019t take that chance if I\u2019m the Steelers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thomas was the Jaguars\u2019 2024 first-round pick, and he had a great rookie year, catching 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl and looked like one of the best up-and-coming receivers in the league.<\/p>\n

However, Thomas didn\u2019t build on that success in 2025. He instead took a big step back, recording only 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games. Also, he had a major problem with drops, having 10 throughout the season, according to FOX Sports.<\/a> While he had seven drops in 2024, that was with 40 more targets, so his spike in drop percentage is concerning.<\/p>\n

Because of that, former Steelers corner Joe Haden agreed with his co-host\u2019s take on Thomas.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need hand-catching receivers that are natural catchers,\u201d Haden said. \u201cI don\u2019t know if he\u2019s a natural catcher of the ball. We don\u2019t need people that\u2019s coming off of any type of drop ball stuff. We do not need that. That\u2019s your job description. You\u2019re an NFL wide receiver. Drop balls are the reason why you aren\u2019t in the league.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drops are concerning for receivers, especially young ones like Thomas. Some of the things he put on tape last year were ugly. Harrison and Haden\u2019s opinions are understandable. However, there may be other explanations for Thomas\u2019 decline in play.<\/p>\n

here are all 7 incomplete passes in the direction of Brian Thomas Jr. in Week 2<\/p>\n

a day to forget. alligator arms. a drop. and didn’t win in traffic.<\/p>\n

just 5 catches for 60 yards in two games pic.twitter.com\/LYMHWnijMk<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) September 15, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

The Jaguars had a new coaching staff and offensive system in 2025, and that transition can be tough for young players. Just as well, Thomas battled injuries throughout the year, which may have also adversely impacted his performance.<\/p>\n

Thomas is still only 23 years old, and there\u2019s reason to believe that he could shake off his rough 2025 campaign and get back on track in 2026. He\u2019s still on his rookie deal, so any team that acquires him will have him under contract for at least two more seasons.<\/p>\n

While there\u2019s a lot of risk in trading for Thomas, the reward could be just as high.<\/a> Depending on what the Jaguars want for him, the deal might make more sense for the Steelers than Harrison and Haden believe. They have a lot of draft capital for this year. Taking a swing on Thomas wouldn\u2019t be a terrible idea.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n