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49ers weigh trade for Jaguars’ Brian Thomas Jr.

By Drooid · Oct 17, 2026, 2:18 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

49ers Eye Trade

The 49ers are weighing a trade for Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. amid injuries including Deebo Samuel’s hamstring strain.
Jacksonville’s GM James Gladstone says the team will not trade Thomas Jr. without a high draft pick likely a second-rounder.
Thomas Jr. had 87 catches, 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, and 105 yards in five games this season.

Summary

Shanahan Delays IR

Coach Kyle Shanahan says the Week 8 bye lets the 49ers delay Samuel’s IR move, preserving flexibility.
NFL rules require a four-game IR minimum, excluding any bye week.
Rookie De'Zhaun Stribling stays on IR after a Week 1 ankle injury, still progressing.
The 49ers opened a 21-day practice window to assess Christian Kirk’s activation from IR.

History

Historical Context

In 2012 the NFL revised its injured-reserve policy, allowing teams to reactivate players after eight weeks instead of a season-long ban. The rule change, championed by commissioner Roger Goodell and supported by the Players Association, reduced average IR stays by 30 % in the 2013 season. That flexibility mirrors today’s San Francisco 49ers, who exploit the modern IR window to keep Deebo Samuel active while negotiating a possible trade for Jacksonville wideout Brian Thomas Jr. Consequently, teams like the 49ers and Jaguars can leverage draft capital and roster depth, a strategic shift rooted in the 2012 amendment’s long-term impact on roster management.

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49ers Eye Trade

The 49ers are weighing a trade for Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. amid injuries including Deebo Samuel’s hamstring strain.
Jacksonville’s GM James Gladstone says the team will not trade Thomas Jr. without a high draft pick likely a second-rounder.
Thomas Jr. had 87 catches, 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, and 105 yards in five games this season.

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