NFL analyst selects Jaguars' most valuable trade asset in 2026
· Yahoo Sports
The Jacksonville Jaguars have remained firm that they are committed to wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., but trade speculation and rumors continue to persist.
As the league prepares for the NFL Draft next month, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has compiled a list of each team's most valuable trade asset. For the Jaguars, John Kosko chose Thomas, despite continued insistence from James Gladstone that the veteran receiver isn't going anywhere.
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"A popular name in trade discussions this offseason, Thomas appears to have fallen out of favor in Jacksonville following a down sophomore campaign. He was arguably the second-best rookie wide receiver in 2024 and looked like a budding star, especially with a new coaching staff in place," Kosko wrote. "If reports of the Jaguars exploring a move are accurate, Thomas is not far removed from that strong rookie season, which should still allow Jacksonville to command significant value in a potential trade."
There have been constant reports that Jacksonville is considering trading Thomas, who likely would be a great trade asset, as Kosko pointed out. The problem, however, is that both Gladstone and Liam Coen have repeatedly said that they are not open to trading him. Gladstone has even gone so far as to make jabs at media outlets continuing to insist that a trade for Thomas is imminent.
"No, we haven't, and there hasn't been a ton of dialogue around that front," he said recently, after being asked if the Jaguars have received a trade offer. "Teams check in simply because it seems like there's -- I know the word reputable came up earlier -- I don't think there's been any reputable statement. We don't have any real action on any of those fronts."
Gladstone also pointed out that the constant speculation could leave Thomas unsure about his position on the team.
"I care more for what weight that might put on Brian himself when it's something that's entirely out of his control and unnecessary," Gladstone said. "So I think that's where my mind would go, if anything. But when it's fraudulent claims, you just keep your mind on what you can focus on and you can actually control and try to do what's best for the Jacksonville Jaguars."
Kosko isn't wrong that Thomas would likely be a valuable trade asset for the Jaguars. But continuing to insist there are rumors surrounding his leaving Jacksonville is likely exactly the kind of speculation Gladstone was criticizing.
It is also worth remembering that Thomas will not be competing as much with Travis Hunter in 2026 -- Thomas Jr. will remain a key part of the offense. Reports suggest that Hunter will be taking more snaps on defense than offense, serving as a full-time cornerback first and a wide receiver second.
The Jags also seemed to focus less on having one main WR1 under Liam Coen, and more on having a strong receiver corps that gives Trevor Lawrence multiple weapons to throw to.
"When you are part of a team that wins, the wealth will be shared," Coen said. "It will never truly be about one player. I will continue to pour into these guys... BT will 100% be a part of that."
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: PFF lists Brian Thomas Jr. as Jaguars’ most valuable trade asset