Raiders linked by ESPN to trade for 1st round WR that Jaguars have 'given up on'

Raiders linked by ESPN to trade for 1st round WR that Jaguars have 'given up on' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.As the 4-4 Las Vegas Raiders head towards the NFL trade deadline, they could be looking to be both buyers and sellers. Adding long-term help while parting with rentals would make plenty of sense for this Raiders team.What could the Raiders look to add? With Fernando Mendoza already on the roster, and Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer locking down the tight end position, adding someone at wide receiver would make plenty of sense.That's why ESPN's Seth Walder believes the Raiders should target Jacksonville Jaguars first-round WR Brian Thomas Jr., who the Jaguars have seemingly "given up on" this season.Raiders linked to trade for Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr."Who should they target? Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.," Walder writes. "... The Jaguars have pretty much given up on Thomas, but he would become the clear No. 1 option in Las Vegas..."Thomas has not been a productive player during the 2026 season for the Jaguars. So far, Thomas has just 10 receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns through Week 8.Jacksonville hasn't been using him all that much, especially with Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, and Brenton Strange involved in the passing offense. Josh Cameron has even been utilized in this passing offense more than Thomas.MORE: 4 stats that show how bad Chargers' Justin Herbert has been in 2026The Raiders clearly need wide receiver help, as even though Tre Tucker is having a strong season, he's not nearly the kind of player that can be relied on as a No. 1 option. The same goes for Jalen Nailor and Jack Bech.But if the Raiders added Thomas and paired him with those options and Bowers, this passing offense could take another step and give Mendoza a better, more well-rounded WR room to work with once he takes over.Thomas isn't just a rental, as he's under contract on his rookie deal through 2027, not including a potential 2028 fifth-year option.Adding Thomas, who's seemingly become someone the Jaguars have given up on, would make a ton of sense for the Raiders. There's a real question as to whether he's even available, but if he is, the Raiders might be the best landing spot for the first-round WR.More NFL news:NFL insiders reveal four landing spots for Colts’ Jonathan TaylorJoe Burrow joins rare NFL history with six touchdowns despite three interceptionsJayden Daniels snaps unbelievable drought with Commanders' win over EaglesWhy it's time for Colts to move on from Shane Steichen and Daniel JonesJerry Jones defends Brian Schottenheimer after Cowboys collapse vs. Cardinals