The Denver Broncos may have just received an unexpected offseason development, even if they were not directly mentioned.
In ESPNâs latest offseason rankings, insiders Dan Graziano and Ben Solak listed the top 15 trade candidates across the NFL. At the very top of the list was Brian Thomas Jr.
Ranking him first is what stands out most
Thomas, a former first round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, is only two years into his rookie contract. He has two seasons remaining worth a combined $4.9 million, plus a fifth year option in 2028. The contract is affordable, especially for a player with his size and upside.
After a strong rookie season, Thomas took a step back in Year 2. His production dipped and his role shifted within Jacksonvilleâs offense. Around the league, evaluators have taken notice and are monitoring the situation closely.
Why ESPN Put Him at No. 1
Graziano reported there has been âno indication that trading Thomas is something the Jaguars are planning.â
However, he added that teams are monitoring the situation âin case the hypertalented LSU product has fallen far enough down the Jacksonville depth chart that the front office would consider a move.â
Thomas exploded as a rookie with 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. But in 2025, he totaled 707 yards and two scores while slipping into more of a WR3 field-stretching role after the Jaguars added Jakobi Meyers and saw Parker Washington emerge.
Solak wrote that Thomas âstruggled with drops and contact to start the season,â but also made a critical point:
âThomas was better as a prospect than any wide receiver in the upcoming 2026 class.â
ESPN put the odds of Thomas getting traded at 20 percent. Still, in the NFL, thatâs enough to at least keep an eye on, especially for a team searching for another dynamic weapon on offense.
Why the Broncos Make Sense
The Broncos were not listed as a landing spot in ESPNâs piece. But around the team, some feel they should be.
After coming up just short of the Super Bowl, Denver enters the offseason with flexibility and a clear priority. The biggest need on the roster is at wide receiver, or more broadly, another true difference maker on offense to help Bo Nix take the next step.
At 6-foot-4 with legitimate vertical speed, Thomas fits the profile. He can stretch the field, win down the boundary, and give Denver an explosive target. That type of presence is something the offense has been missing.
His rookie season showed what the upside looks like. The production dipped in Year 2, but the talent is still there. And because he is still on his rookie deal, the financial commitment would be far more manageable than chasing an established veteran.
For a team looking for a big offensive boost, this would be a move built around long term upside.
A.J. Brown Also Appears on ESPN’S List
A.J. Brown was also included on ESPNâs larger trade candidate list. The Broncos were not mentioned as one of three potential team fits.
If Denver pursued Brown, it would also be taking on his contract.
Thomas, meanwhile, offers similar size, explosiveness and upside without the financial strain.
If Jacksonville ever signals it is open to listening, Denver should look to be aggressive.
When a 23-year-old former first-round receiver with clear WR1 ability lands at the top of a trade list, teams searching for an elite No. 1 wideout should at least make the call.
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