The Washington Commanders are reportedly interested in trading for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
Their prime-time win over the Philadelphia Eagles may have cleared the runway for general manager Adam Peters to make the move.
The Commanders are still in a precarious spot. One win doesn't change much in the grand scheme of things, but it's a positive step in the right direction. It was far from a vintage display from head coach Dan Quinn's squad, but getting the job done was all that mattered.
Commanders may justify Brian Thomas Jr. trade after saving their season
Losing could have forced Peters into selling mode before the 2026 trade deadline, though that would be complicated with wide receiver Terry McLasurin and defensive lineman Daron Payne out for the season.
Now, there could be more justification for an incoming. And reuniting quarterback Jayden Daniels with Thomas might be a good place to start.
Thomas got into the end zone for the second time this season during the Jaguars' convincing triumph over the Indianapolis Colts, who have seemingly waved the white flag on their hopes this season. However, he remains far down the pecking order, and with his fifth-year option due, Jacksonville could cash in if the price is right.
The Commanders got some good returns from Treylon Burks, Stefon Diggs, and third-round rookie Antonio Williams on Sunday Night Football against the Eagles. But Thomas' previous connection to Daniels from their time together at LSU would make him an intriguing addition if Peters can find value.
And as sad as it is to say, the Commanders may have to prepare for life without McLaurin moving forward.
McLaurin suffered a torn patellar tendon, ruling him out for the rest of 2026. Given the typical recovery timeline with an injury like this, he may not be available until midway through the 2027 campaign.
Commanders still have several hurdles in potential Brian Thomas Jr. trade
That's a problem, and it could lead Peters to either trade (unlikely) or release the second-team All-Pro at some stage during the offseason.
Washington could wait until the draft. But if they see Thomas as someone who can help now and into the future, the Commanders could send over a pick to the Jaguars to get ahead of potentially losing both McLaurin and Diggs next spring.
It's an interesting scenario, and the Commanders are reportedly keen on Thomas. After beating the Eagles, they're still right in the race for NFC East supremacy.
They are two games behind the New York Giants, but their schedule gets a little easier from here on. That doesn't guarantee success, but it does mean Peters and Quinn won't be throwing in the towel.
Keeping their picks might be the sensible approach. But with the urgency to get this ambitious project on track, coupled with the relationship between Daniels and Thomas, this might be a risk worth taking.
The Commanders should not part ways with a second-round pick or more, if that's what the Jaguars are demanding. If they can get Thomas for a fourth-round selection, it's more feasible, but Washington won't be the only ones watching the wideout's situation.
Thomas has talent. He probably needs a change of scenery, and he would no doubt jump at the chance to link up once again with Daniels in Washington.
But several hurdles remain before this becomes a reality, even with the Commanders saving their season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google