San Francisco 49ers Face Setback in Potential Brian Thomas Jr. Trade Pursuit

The San Francisco 49ers, currently holding a strong 7-1 record as they enter Week 10 of the NFL season, have been exploring options to bolster their roster. While the team has very few weaknesses, the wide receiver position has become a primary area of concern due to ongoing injuries, including uncertainty surrounding the return of veteran Mike Evans. As fans in the San Francisco Bay Area look toward the trade deadline, the team has been heavily linked to Jacksonville Jaguars third-year wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. as a potential target to fill that void.

Updates on the San Francisco 49ers Trade Targets

Despite the interest from San Francisco and other organizations, the 49ers received definitive news on Tuesday regarding the availability of the former first-round pick. According to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler, the Jaguars have communicated to interested teams that they intend to keep Thomas Jr. on their roster through the 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. Fowler noted that after completing several significant trades on Monday to strengthen their defense, Jacksonville plans to keep its current group intact, barring any unexpected developments.

Thomas Jr. experienced a breakout rookie season in 2024, recording 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, his production has shifted over the last two seasons, with teammates Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers seeing increased roles on the depth chart. In the current season, Thomas Jr. has logged 10 receptions on 22 targets for 117 yards and two touchdowns.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have informed interested teams that they will not trade receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

With the Jaguars currently sitting at 6-2 and appearing focused on a deep Super Bowl run, the decision to retain their current personnel aligns with their strategy to maintain team depth. For the 49ers, the search for wide receiver support may now shift toward other available options. Reports indicate that the Indianapolis Colts’ Josh Downs and the Tennessee Titans’ Calvin Ridley remain potential targets who could be moved before the deadline. Either player could provide a necessary boost to the San Francisco offense as the team works to return to full health for the remainder of the season.

Why it matters

The Jaguars' decision to hold onto Thomas Jr. removes a key potential solution for the 49ers' injury-depleted receiving corps. This development forces San Francisco to pivot their trade strategy as they look to maintain their status as a top contender in the NFL.