Jags’ Thomas linked with AFC North team in need of WR help

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Ben Solak revealed that “there are teams monitoring” whether or not the Jacksonville Jaguars could trade wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. during or after the ongoing scouting combine. 

It appears as least one team is doing more than “monitoring” this situation in Indianapolis. 

Brian Thomas Jr. headed to AFC North?

According to Andrew Fillipponi of Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, the Pittsburgh Steelers “have been in talks with the Jaguars” about Thomas’ availability. Fillipponi added that “the two teams discussed a deal at last year’s trade deadline.” 

A 2024 first-round draft pick, Thomas finished his rookie season ranked third in the league with 1,282 receiving yards and tied for sixth with 10 receiving touchdowns. However, ESPN stats show that he ended this past campaign ranked second on the Jaguars with 48 receptions, 91 targets and 707 receiving yards. Over 14 games, he tallied just a pair of receiving scores. 

Meanwhile, the Jaguars acquired wide receiver Jakobi Meyers ahead of the 2025 trade deadline and later signed him to a three-year, $60M contract extension that included $40M guaranteed. Additionally, Jacksonville has 2025 first-round choice and cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter on the roster. 

Why Steelers would take a flier on Brian Thomas Jr.

It’s no secret that Pittsburgh has been looking for a playmaker to pair up with receiver DK Metcalf since at least this past fall. Running back Kenneth Gainwell led the 2025 Steelers with 73 receptions, while Metcalf recorded a team-best 850 receiving yards. Thomas is signed for two more seasons via an inexpensive rookie contract that also includes a fifth-year team option for the 2028 campaign. 

While it’s still unknown if quarterback Aaron Rodgers will commit to playing for the Steelers by the time the middle of March rolls around, numerous reports have indicated the 42-year-old will run it back with Pittsburgh for another season. Adding another weapon to the roster sooner rather than later could help ease concerns Rodgers may have about Pittsburgh’s offense. 

Thomas could also spend part of this spring and summer building chemistry with young quarterback Will Howard, who has fans within the Steelers organization even though the 2025 sixth-round draft pick took zero in-game snaps as a rookie.