Jaguars’ Brian Thomas Jr. linked with AFC North team in need of WR help

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Ben Solak revealed that “there are groups monitoring” whether or not or not the Jacksonville Jaguars may commerce vast receiver Brian Thomas Jr. throughout or after the continued scouting mix. 

It seems as least one staff is doing greater than “monitoring” this example in Indianapolis. 

Brian Thomas Jr. headed to AFC North?

In line with Andrew Fillipponi of Pittsburgh sports activities radio station 93.7 The Fan, the Pittsburgh Steelers “have been in talks with the Jaguars” about Thomas’ availability. Fillipponi added that “the 2 groups mentioned a deal eventually yr’s commerce deadline.” 

A 2024 first-round draft decide, Thomas completed his rookie season ranked third within the league with 1,282 receiving yards and tied for sixth with 10 receiving touchdowns. Nevertheless, ESPN stats present that he ended this previous marketing campaign ranked second on the Jaguars with 48 receptions, 91 targets and 707 receiving yards. Over 14 video games, he tallied only a pair of receiving scores. 

In the meantime, the Jaguars acquired vast receiver Jakobi Meyers forward of the 2025 commerce deadline and later signed him to a three-year, $60M contract extension that included $40M assured. Moreover, Jacksonville has 2025 first-round alternative and cornerback/vast receiver Travis Hunter on the roster. 

Why Steelers would take a flier on Brian Thomas Jr.

It is no secret that Pittsburgh has been in search of a playmaker to pair up with receiver DK Metcalf since at the least this previous fall. Operating again Kenneth Gainwell led the 2025 Steelers with 73 receptions, whereas Metcalf recorded a team-best 850 receiving yards. Thomas is signed for 2 extra seasons through an affordable rookie contract that additionally features a fifth-year staff possibility for the 2028 marketing campaign. 

Whereas it is nonetheless unknown if quarterback Aaron Rodgers will decide to enjoying for the Steelers by the point the center of March rolls round, quite a few reviews have indicated the 42-year-old will run it again with Pittsburgh for an additional season. Including one other weapon to the roster sooner slightly than later may assist ease considerations Rodgers might have about Pittsburgh’s offense. 

Thomas may additionally spend a part of this spring and summer time constructing chemistry with younger quarterback Will Howard, who has followers throughout the Steelers group regardless that the 2025 sixth-round draft decide took zero in-game snaps as a rookie.