NFL Mock Trade: Steelers Pair Brian Thomas Jr. With Aaron Rodgers In Deal With Jaguars
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A surprise name has emerged in trade talks for the Jacksonville Jaguars: star wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. An inconsistent start to the season has raised concerns over Thomas’ long-term future with the club.
Entering Week 9, Thomas’ nine drops lead the NFL as rumors continue to swirl around the Jaguars with the Nov. 4 trade deadline rapidly approaching. Though Liam Coen has shut down recent trade rumors, teams around the league will call about the second-year wideout ahead of the deadline.
In the AFC, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ recent struggles have pointed to potential moves to bolster the offense’s group of playmakers around veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers. Given their need at wideout, Thomas could be a prime trade target for the leaders in the AFC North.
Here’s a mock trade that sees Thomas moved to Pittsburgh alongside the four-time MVP under center:
Jacksonville Jaguars-Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Trade & Fantasy Impact
Jacksonville Jaguars receive 2026 second-round pick, 2027 second-round pick
Pittsburgh Steelers receive Brian Thomas Jr.
Coming off a 1,200-yard campaign in his rookie season, Thomas has struggled with drops so far this season. As previously mentioned, the LSU product leads the NFL in drops entering Week 9, which has raised concerns over his long-term status with the Jaguars.
The Steelers have searched high and low for wide receiver help alongside DK Metcalf, but haven’t managed to find a consistent contributor alongside the team’s WR1. While a move for the sophomore wideout would prove costly, the long-term potential and immediate upside could prove beneficial for Pittsburgh’s offense.
In fantasy, Thomas’ stock could take a slight rise in a far more favorable role as the cemented WR2 in Pittsburgh. A role behind an established wideout could help Thomas overcome his drop troubles and find his footing in an efficient role with upside as a deep-threat. In his current role, Thomas has struggled in fantasy so far this season.
He enters Week 9 ranked as WR37 among PPR leagues, struggling to string together consistent fantasy production. Through seven games, he averages just 7.2 points per game and has eclipsed 10.0 points just once this season.
Why The Jaguars Make The Trade
The Jaguars have faced their share of struggles following a 4-1 start to the season, suffering losses in each of their last two games. Thomas has struggled to produce with consistent volume in the passing game, hauling in just 41.8% of his targets through seven games. Their return in the deal helps compensate the team for a highly touted second-year wideout while allowing star rookie Travis Hunter to take over as the team’s leading receiver.
Why The Steelers Make The Trade
Pittsburgh’s offense is desperate for wide receiver help alongside Metcalf after moving on from George Pickens ahead of the season. The Steelers were interested in Thomas during the scouting process for the 2024 NFL Draft, but filled a need on the offensive line instead. The deal continues the team’s all-in trend, while building for the future. With two years left on his rookie deal after this season, the Steelers will have a cheap option with consistent production behind Metcalf in the passing game.
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Ethen Hutton is a MLB, WNBA, College, and Fantasy contributor at On SI. Previously, he's covered the NBA, WNBA and NFL for Sportskeeda. Hutton is also a passionate fantasy football player and an immense music lover.