The New England Patriots were crowned AFC East champions after finishing 14-3 last season, but retaining that title certainly won't be easy. The Bills are, of course, the frontrunners, but over the next few years, the Dolphins and Jets will be looking to make their voices heard in the division.
The Jets, in particular, made some interesting additions this offseason. David Onyemata, Joseph Ossai, Kingsley Enagbare, and Demario Davis were all added to the front seven, while Minkah Fitzpatrick was added to the defensive backfield.
While the defense got more experienced, the offense added a new quarterback: Geno Smith. Smith had a strange first stint with the Jets before reviving his career with the Seahawks and being traded to the Raiders. Last season in Vegas was a tough one for Smith. He totaled 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, but beat the Patriots in Week 1, passing for 362 yards.
His veteran presence may be exactly what the Jets need to get the best out of young pass catchers Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and Mason Taylor. As of late, though, there have been rumors of Gang Green adding another top young receiving threat.
Jaguars' receiver Brian Thomas Jr. could end up a New York Jet
If the Jets want to continue to surround Smith, and eventually their long-term starter, with top young talent, there may not be a better option than doing so through Thomas. BTJ had an unbelievable rookie season, totaling nearly 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns from 87 catches.
While he played in only 14 games last year, he still saw major drops in production: 48 catches (45% drop), 707 yards (45% drop), and 3 total touchdowns (70% drop).
Jacksonville doesn't have a first-round pick this year after trading it away to move up for Travis Hunter during the 2025 NFL Draft, so if they think they can recoup a pick, they may pull the trigger on a trade.
ESPN's Rich Cimini recently reported that a trade involving Thomas to the Jets shouldn't be slept on. The Jets hold three picks in the top 33 of this year's draft: No. 2, No. 16, and No. 33. No. 2 wouldn't likely be available, but either No. 16 or No. 33 could be part of what would be an enticing package.
Brian Thomas Jr. to the Jets would be a nightmare for the Patriots
The Jets would have a potentially legitimate offense should they add Thomas. If they, for example, sent No. 16 to Jacksonville for the former LSU star, they could use No. 33 to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who could potentially be their franchise after Smith's contract expires at the end of 2026.
Should those dominoes fall, the Jets offense would feature Smith and Simpson under center, Breece Hall in the backfield, Mason Taylor at tight end, Garrett Wilson, Brian Thomas Jr., and Adonai Mitchell at receiver, and a pair of young and exciting offensive tackles.
While the quarterback situation in this scenario, 35-year-old Geno Smith and rookie Ty Simpson, would be the most volatile part of the offense, the skill positions are quite good. While Christian Gonzalez could handle one of the two, Carlton Davis would be entrusted with one of either Wilson or Thomas. That's a tall task given his up-and-down play.
Thomas is a tremendous young football player, and it should go without saying that the Jets' acquiring him would be a blow to New England's hopes of games against New York, a pair of easy wins each year.