Behind the Steel Curtain on Brian Thomas Jr.
From the article
After breaking out as a rookie with 1,282 yards in 2024, Thomas saw his drop rate more than double in 2025 to 11%, while his catch/target rate plummeted to 52.7%. Now in 2026, a player who looked like an ascending WR1 has been an afterthought in the Jaguars' offense with just nine grabs through six games played this season.
STACKED’s take
Thomas's regression and Day 2 asking price are too steep; Steelers already have similar skill set in Metcalf.
The source argues Brian Thomas Jr. is too expensive a trade target for the Steelers despite being the most-discussed name in trade rumors. After breaking out as a rookie with 1,282 yards in 2024, Thomas has regressed significantly: his drop rate more than doubled to 11% in 2025, his catch/target rate plummeted to 52.7%, and in 2026 he has just nine receptions through six games. While Thomas is a gifted, big-bodied deep threat with potential, he will likely cost a Day 2 pick at minimum, which the source deems far too high a price given the Steelers already have a similar skill set in DK Metcalf. The source prefers the McConkey or Downs mold for the Steelers' receiver room.
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