The Los Angeles Rams would likely need to surrender at least a Day 2 draft pick to acquire Brian Thomas Jr, if the Jacksonville Jaguars ultimately decide to offload the former first-round wide receiver. For a Rams team looking to strengthen its receiving corps, the potential asking price could present a significant obstacle.
Thomas, selected 23rd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, offers the downfield speed and one-on-one playmaking ability Los Angeles could use to complement Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
However, acquiring that type of talent through a trade typically requires meaningful draft compensation, particularly when dealing for a young receiver with first-round pedigree.
A Day 2 selection would be the minimum starting point for any serious discussion, rather than an indication of Jacksonville’s final asking price. The Jaguars would have to determine whether moving on from Thomas makes sense for their long-term plans, while interested teams would need to weigh his potential against the cost of acquiring him.
Based on the Arizona Cardinals decision to trade away former first round pick Marvin Harrison Jr, the general parameters have been set for what the projected cost of Brian Thomas Jr will be. Harrison cost the Texans a 2027 2nd-round pick and 7th-round pick. The Texans are currently 2-5, which means that 2nd-round pick has a lot of upside, being viewed as a top 50 pick.
For the Rams, draft capital could complicate matters.
Los Angeles already surrendered significant assets in its blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett this past offseason, leaving the franchise with limited draft capital for the 2027 NFL Draft. The Rams currently have just four selections: a second-round pick, a fourth-round pick, a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick.
That limited inventory puts additional pressure on general manager Les Snead to make every remaining selection count. Using a 2nd-round pick and 6th-round pick to acquire Thomas would mean giving up one of the team’s most valuable opportunities to add an inexpensive, young contributor through the draft, while also stripping the Rams draft capital to just 2 remaining picks.
Still, the Rams’ need for another reliable receiving threat could make the conversation worthwhile. Thomas would offer a potential long-term weapon alongside Nacua, but Jacksonville’s asking price and Los Angeles’ depleted draft resources could ultimately determine whether a deal is realistic.
The Rams may have the motivation to pursue Thomas, but with only four 2027 picks available, they have little room for error in another major trade. But.. the Rams won’t have Matthew Stafford-Aaron Donald-Myles Garrett and Co. for forever. It may just be worthwhile to trade for the former first round pick.
Besides, hasn’t Les Snead made it a habit, better yet, a career in acquring former first round picks on other teams? It just seems like destiny to make BTJ the latest in a long list of first rounders to join Snead’s roster.
Hypothetical Trade Offer
Rams Receive
- Brian Thomas Jr
- Jaguars pay $2 million in salary (2027)
Jaguars Receive
- Rams 2027 2nd-round pick
- Rams 2028 6th-round pick
- Rams 2028 7th round pick
