The New England Patriots are currently awaiting a decision from the Philadelphia Eagles regarding a potential trade for wide receiver A.J. Brown.

If the Eagles decide not to trade Brown, the Patriots might consider shifting their focus to acquire another wide receiver. They should explore a trade for Brian Thomas Jr., the wide receiver from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Patriots Trade Pitch

If the Jaguars are considering trading Thomas, it may not happen until the first round of the NFL draft since Jacksonville doesn’t have a first-round pick. If there’s a player who is unexpectedly sliding down the board, the Jaguars could leverage Thomas as a trade asset to acquire a first-round selection.

Here is a trade that could make sense for the Patriots to pull off.

Patriots- receive Thomas

Jaguars- receive No. 31 pick, 2024 fourth-round pick (via Bears) and 2027 third-round pick

The Jaguars may be reluctant to let Thomas go, especially since they selected him in the first round of the 2024 draft. However, head coach Liam Coen wasn’t the one who brought Thomas into the fold.

Last season, Thomas recorded only 48 receptions for 707 yards and two touchdowns over 14 games. His numbers took a significant hit in the Coen offense compared to his impressive rookie season, where he tallied 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 scores.

The Jaguars are likely to pursue a first-round pick in exchange for Thomas. Trading the 31st pick from New England makes sense, as it’s almost an early second-round pick. Additionally, the Patriots would acquire a young receiver who already had a solid season in the NFL.

Acquiring Thomas would be a much smarter move for the Patriots than relying on the fifth or sixth best receiver available at the 31st pick, especially since the outcome for that player is uncertain.

Thomas, at the very least, is a solid No. 2 receiver with wide receiver one upside, and he would fit in well in New England’s offense.

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