Patriots can use their game vs. Jaguars as an excuse to scout their next trade

Amid rumors that the Patriots traded for A.J. Brown earlier this year, they were also linked to a handful of other receivers who were officially or unofficially on the trade block. Among the most intriguing was Brian Thomas Jr., a 2024 first-round pick by the Jaguars, who had an explosive rookie year before quickly falling into what many have already labeled a bust.

At just 23 years old, it seems premature to declare him a lost cause and for his team to move on, but his production last year frustrated the team, especially since there was no clear reason for his rapid decline, and he remains in the trade conversation ahead of this year's deadline.

With the Patriots facing the Jaguars on Sunday, they'll get a first-hand look at what Thomas could be. He hasn't had a fantastic start to the season, recording only 6 receptions on 11 targets for 80 yards over the last two weeks, but this will give New England a chance to scout him and decide whether he's worth a chance.

That's even more relevant with A.J. Brown sidelined for at least three more games, with some reports suggesting he might not return until Week 8. No matter which account is accurate, the current receiving corps raises a lot of questions, particularly now that they're without Kayshon Boutte, and Thomas could be a potential answer.

Brian Thomas Jr. might have a chance to audition for his next team in Week 3

After starting the season strong with a dominant win over the Browns, the Jaguars were brought back to Earth in Week 2 with a frustrating road loss to the Broncos.

It was a game where Thomas continued some of his worst habits, especially his drops, and it has many Jaguars fans ready to move on from the receiver as soon as possible. Obviously, it's a bit early for the team to make any decision, with the trade deadline not until November 10, but that doesn't mean the Patriots can't inquire as soon as possible.

If those bad habits continue this Sunday, though, it would be fair to assume Mike Vrabel and Co. won't be very interested. They need someone who can be a playmaker now and in the future, not someone who becomes a liability on the field.

Regardless, this will be a good opportunity to see what kind of player Thomas is now and whether they think they could make him even better. We already know he can be an explosive option based on his rookie season; it's now a matter of determining what has contributed to his downfall over the past year.

Plenty of things can be fixed with better coaching, more training, and practice, and the Patriots have a staff that can help break some bad habits and make a player better. Whether they believe Thomas can do that is something they may be able to determine by watching him play this weekend.

There is a lot of potential that comes with the Patriots trading for BTJ

Going into the season, the Patriots' receiving corps was considered the deepest it had been in years, with some concerns about how they would divvy up snaps with so much talent to use on game day.

That changed once they decided to trade Kayshon Boutte, and then, of course, once Brown went down with a sprained ankle in Week 1. So there are concerns about just how good the remaining pass catchers can be for the rest of the season.

It creates an opportunity to revisit potential trade candidates before they inevitably make a move for Brown, with Thomas at the top of the list. He has a lot to like: he recorded 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie just two years ago, and getting that kind of production back would benefit the Patriots.

On top of that, perhaps the most intriguing part of adding Thomas to the roster is that he could learn and develop alongside Drake Maye, presumably playing with the quarterback longer than Brown is expected to, given his age.

Fans hoped Mike Vrabel and Co. would give the young quarterback that opportunity, and there was optimism that Kyle Williams could be that guy, but he hasn't proven he can fill that role yet.

Thomas could do that, and for the right price, he could likely be suiting up in New England later this season.

It will likely come down to cost if the Patriots like what they saw and believe he can become the kind of player they need. The problem is that they already gave up a future first-round pick for Brown in June, so if the Jaguars want something similar, he's probably already off the table.

If not, there's plenty of reason for the Patriots to make an offer.

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