Despite the hopes of many Kansas City Chiefs fans, a trade for talented, one-time Pro Bowl receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is officially not going to happen before today’s deadline.

Just a few weeks ago, the Chiefs were the cream of the AFC crop. They were one of the last undefeated teams and sat atop the AFC West. Kansas City looked back in title-contender form after a 6-10 finish last year. However, their losses to the Seattle Seahawks (Week 7) and the Denver Broncos (Week 8) exposed the weakness in their offense.

The Seahawks and Broncos keeping Kenneth Walker III in check put a bigger spotlight on the Chiefs’ need to make an impact addition to their passing game. That is why they have been linked to potential trades for wide receivers in recent weeks, and the Jacksonville Jaguars receiver has been considered a target. Especially since he has had a significantly reduced role in 2026 despite being a former first-round pick and one-time Pro Bowler.

However, despite having reason to trade him to address other areas of the roster, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports, “The Jaguars plan to keep WR Brian Thomas Jr. through the trade deadline. They have relayed that to interested teams.”

Why Kansas City Chiefs not getting Brian Thomas Jr. for second half is a major disappointment

The Jaguars made a trio of trades on Monday, including giving up some very valuable draft assets for defensive tackle Jordan Davis and safety Jessie Bates III. It is not completely surprising they are sticking with the team they have since they have hopes of reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in team history this season. Nevertheless, it is still a letdown for Chiefs fans.

At 6-2, the Chiefs have hopes of another deep run in this year’s playoffs. Their defense has played very well and is giving up the third-fewest points in the NFL (17.9 PPG). And they have a top-10 scoring offense (25.3 PPG) led by great play by Walker III. However, they could really use more weapons in the passing game if they hope to overcome the AFC’s best in the winter.

Yes, the 24-year-old has been disappointing over the last year and a half after a breakout rookie campaign. However, that is universally chalked up to simply not being a good fit in the offensive system of head coach Liam Cohen. The potential is there to return to Pro Bowl form on another team. Especially the Chiefs.

Furthermore, he has one more season and his fifth-year rookie option left on his contract. Thomas Jr. could easily become the new No. 1 option for Patrick Mahomes, with Travis Kelce possibly in his final season. However, now that possibility is off the table, Kansas City will have to pivot to other options before 4:00 PM ET.