Last year’s high-profile draft-day swap saw Cleveland move down to No. 5, sending No. 2 to Jacksonville. The Browns received No. 36 and No. 126 in the draft, along with the Jaguars’ first-round pick this year, which slid to No. 24 due to Jacksonville’s turnaround. The Jaguars, in turn, landed Travis Hunter and picks No. 104 and No. 200.
Jaguars executives are said to be open to parting with BTJ to acquire a late-first-round pick, a strategy that would give them an extra notch in the top tier of the opening round. The Jaguars’ GM publicly dismissed trade rumors surrounding Thomas as fraudulent, adding a layer of complexity to any potential deal.
Brian Thomas Jr. was a 2024 first-round pick whose rookie season produced 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. In Year 2, his production dipped to 48 catches for 707 yards, and his drop percentage climbed from 5.3% to 11.0%. He also faced a reduced connection with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, with Mac Jones handling most of his throws in 2024 when Lawrence was injured.
Cleveland has been linked to BTJ in offseason chatter, with reports noting the Browns as a potential buyer who could pursue a buy-low opportunity. Cleveland has been cited as having interest in Thomas, and some coverage has suggested a trade scenario that could involve additional draft capital.
Bleacher Report and local reporting have pointed to the Browns as a possible destination for Thomas, given their clear need at wide receiver. Cleveland possesses two 2026 first-round picks thanks to last year’s Jaguars deal, and discussions around pairing BTJ with additional picks or 2027 assets have been floated as a way to make a deal palatable.
Overall, the Browns’ WR gap remains a priority, and BTJ represents a high-upside, low-cost option if the Jaguars are willing to attach extra picks. Any move would hinge on Jacksonville’s willingness to part with further draft capital and Cleveland’s willingness to part with the No. 24 pick in this year’s draft.
