Jaguars’ Halloween Promo Snub Fuels Brian Thomas Jr. Trade Buzz

WHO:

Heavy NFL - General Manager James Gladstone was identified as having an opportunity to strengthen Jacksonville’s roster before the trade deadline.

Heavy NFL - The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly considering a trade for Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

Heavy NFL - Jonathan Jones of The Athletic reported on the likely price the Steelers would have to pay Jacksonville for Thomas.

Pro Football Network - Jacksonville Jaguars fans discussed Brian Thomas Jr. and his possible availability in a trade.

NY Post - The Jacksonville Jaguars and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. were involved in trade speculation.

Heavy NFL - Brian Thomas Jr. and the Jacksonville Jaguars were the subjects of a report about his playing status, benching and trade rumors.

Heavy NFL - The Jacksonville Jaguars were reported to have pursued an unnamed defensive trade target.

WHAT:

Heavy NFL - Brian Thomas Jr. scored a 98-yard touchdown on Jacksonville’s opening drive against the Colts.

Heavy NFL - A trade pitch for Jacksonville’s defensive line proposed sending the Philadelphia Eagles’ first-round pick.

Heavy NFL - ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Jacksonville had shifted its stance and was warming to trade offers for Brian Thomas Jr.; the team had previously declined to engage.

Heavy NFL - A trade prediction involving Thomas cited similarities with the Indianapolis Colts and a need on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Pro Football Network - Jaguars fans theorized that Brian Thomas Jr. could be on the trade block.

Pro Football Network - The article headline quoted fans saying “Disrespectful” and “BTJ Is Gone.”

NY Post - The Jaguars omitted Thomas from a social media Halloween graphic, fueling speculation that he could be traded.

Heavy NFL - Thomas was benched in the second half of Week 6 and did not play a snap against the Houston Texans.

Heavy NFL - A separate report said a season-ending injury to an unnamed Jaguars trade target had derailed the team’s chances of acquiring an impact defensive player.

WHERE:

Heavy NFL - The Jaguars were scheduled to play the Indianapolis Colts.

Heavy NFL - Thomas’s reported benching occurred in a game against the Houston Texans.

Heavy NFL - The trade target was described as a potential addition to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense.

WHEN:

Heavy NFL - Thomas was benched during the second half of Week 6.

Heavy NFL - The report said the NFL trade deadline is Nov. 10.

WHY:

Heavy NFL - The proposed defensive-line trade was presented as a way for Jacksonville to improve its defensive line.

Pro Football Network - The Jaguars’ Halloween promotion prompted fans’ speculation about a possible trade.

NY Post - Thomas’s omission from the Halloween graphic fueled trade rumors.

Heavy NFL - The report said a season-ending injury can derail a trade and had foiled the Jaguars’ chances of landing the defensive target.

HOW:

Heavy NFL - Thomas’s 98-yard opening-drive touchdown immediately quieted trade rumors, according to the article.

NY Post - The Jaguars’ omission of Thomas from a social media graphic became the basis for speculation that he could be dealt.

Heavy NFL - Thomas’s lack of playing time against Houston followed his second-half benching.

Brian Thomas Jr. struck for a 98-yard opening-drive touchdown, quieting trade speculation. Jacksonville has reportedly warmed to offers after previously refusing to discuss trading him. Pittsburgh is considering a deal, while a season-ending injury derailed Jacksonville’s defensive trade pursuit.