Buccaneers named potential trade destination for star AFC wideout
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in need of some firepower after numerous injuries at wide receiver, but could they turn to a big-name AFC wideout to fill that void?
According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could emerge as a potential trade destination for Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr. His proposed deal would send linebacker Chris Braswell and a 2026 second-round pick to Jacksonville.
The move would address Tampa Bay’s recent struggles at wide receiver while providing quarterback Baker Mayfield with a much-needed offensive weapon.
Oct 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) directs a play during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The Buccaneers’ offense has been hit hard by injuries in recent weeks. Chris Godwin remains sidelined with a fibula injury, and Mike Evans is currently on injured reserve after breaking his collarbone. Those losses have made life much more difficult for Mayfield and the Tampa Bay offense, which has struggled to find rhythm through the air.
During the Week 7 loss to the Detroit Lions, the Buccaneers failed to keep pace offensively, and even in Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Saints, their passing game lacked explosiveness. With a playoff push still in sight, the front office may need to act fast to bring in more firepower.
“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the pieces needed to contend in the NFC this season,” Knox wrote. “However, their last couple of games have exposed how injuries at the receiver position are becoming a problem.”
Knox added that Mayfield hasn’t looked completely healthy or in sync lately, but that a player like Thomas could help him rediscover his groove.
“Baker Mayfield has also seemed either off or at less than 100 percent over the last two weeks, but adding a receiver like Thomas might be just the thing to get him back into Pro Bowl form.”
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) runs up field during a touchdown run during the first quarter in an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] / Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
For the Buccaneers, adding Thomas would bring instant speed and explosiveness to an offense missing its two biggest playmakers. The former LSU star has the size and athleticism to stretch defenses and give Tampa Bay another vertical threat alongside tight end Cade Otton and running back Rachaad White in the passing game.
From Jacksonville’s perspective, moving Thomas could net valuable future assets. Braswell would provide immediate help to the Jaguars’ front seven while the second-round pick strengthens their long-term flexibility.
“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the pieces needed to contend,” Knox concluded, and a trade like this would signal the team’s commitment to staying in the NFC playoff race.
A move for Brian Thomas Jr. could be exactly what the Buccaneers need to re-energize their passing attack and help Baker Mayfield lead another late-season surge.
One Monumental Trade Stands Out for Colts to Execute
7-1 is the top record to chase in the NFL, and the Indianapolis Colts own the mark. While everyone's eyes will focus on the incredible Shane Steichen-led offense, the defense of Lou Anarumo also deserves some credit.
While the defense has played well, the trenches haven't gotten the consistent pressure needed on opposing QBs. This might prompt a trade from Indy for a difference-maker, and Sports Illustrated's
Orr believes Indy surrendering 2026 third and conditional fourth-round picks is good enough to secure the dynamic defender.
Orr started by saying this on the four-time Pro Bowler.
"Hendrickson tidily reunites with his former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo in a move that firmly stamps the Colts as Super Bowl contenders. Hendrickson is a great buy-low option for the Colts, who, in this scenario, wait out the Bengals until the last moment after Cincinnati loses to the Bears in Week 9 and decides to recoup some assets after its admirable attempt at an all-in season."
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Hendrickson has played well despite not posting the insane sack numbers he did in 2023 (17.5) and 2024 (17.5, which led the NFL). Through seven games, Hendrickson has stacked 4.0 sacks, 16 tackles, three tackles for loss, a fumble forced, 23 QB pressures, and a
The Colts can use a playmaker off the edge to help Anarumo, and who better than an All-Pro-level name who played with him for four years?
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Orr concludes by saying this.
"Hendrickson joins a rotation with Kwity Paye and the excellent second-year edge rusher Laiatu Latu, helping Anarumo create increased chaos up front, with a slate of games coming up against quarterbacks who either struggle with escapability or have extreme deficiencies on the offensive line. Indianapolis still has two games against the offensive line-needy Texans, and Hendrickson can provide a boot to the throat of any potential comeback."
The Colts are tied for fifth in the NFL in total sacks (23), but can take that number to the next level with the addition of Hendrickson. Given how the Colts are suddenly a Super Bowl-level team, one more star on the defense will help the complement the offense.
Indianapolis has been criticized for not causing enough chaos in opposing backfields, but Hendrickson can help change that. Plus, it's not much to give up a 2026 third and conditional fourth-round pick to get a player like Hendrickson.
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It's not like Chris Ballard to pull off a mid-season trade, but he's also never had a team like the 2025 Colts during his nine seasons. That alone is a good enough reason to take a shot and secure a trade for Hedrickson to reunite him with Anarumo.
It will be interesting to see what the Colts do here, as the offense is incredible, but the defense still has question marks despite only allowing 19.3 points per game. Keep an eye on Indy, as they're a legitimate Super Bowl contender and might be one dynamic piece away from truly taking their defensive talent to the next level.
