The New York Giants have been dealt some unfortunate injury luck, losing second-year wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo for the season to knee and ankle problems, respectively. Despite these setbacks, Nabers, Skattebo, and rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart make up a promising trio of offensive playmakers around which the Giants can build moving forward.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report authored several trade predictions for the offseason on Thursday, two days after the NFL’s trade deadline passed. One notable prediction for New York involved the Giants potentially sending a first-round pick and additional draft compensation to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Thomas, who played alongside Nabers at LSU from 2021-23, is also a fellow first-round pick from the 2024 draft.
“As a rookie, Thomas put together a Pro Bowl campaign, but he’s struggling under head coach Liam Coen and his staff,” Moton wrote. “If the Jaguars elevate [Travis] Hunter’s status once he’s healthy and [Jakobi] Meyers builds a strong rapport with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Thomas could be expendable.”
Jacksonville’s new regime acquired Meyers ahead of the trade deadline, partly due to injury issues impacting both Hunter and Thomas. Although a trade involving Thomas seems unlikely, the Jaguars have been receptive to offers in recent days.
Reporter Ian Rapoport noted on X (formerly Twitter) on October 25, “The Jaguars are listening on calls for WR Brian Thomas Jr., even if a move feels highly unlikely. They’re also shopping for defense.”
During his rookie campaign, Thomas hauled in 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. This season, he has recorded 30 receptions for 420 yards and one score through eight games.
With the Giants aiming to bolster their offense amid injury challenges, a trade for a proven playmaker like Thomas could provide valuable support moving forward.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/new-york-giants-brian-thomas-jr-trade-jacksonville-jaguars-malik-nabers-11007627
