In an unlikely partnership, the New York Jets made a deal with the New England Patriots for five-time Pro Bowler Demaryius Thomas.
The New York Jets and New England Patriots put aside their differences on Tuesday afternoon to make a rare trade.
Patriots wide receiver Demaryius Thomas is set to be dealt to New York, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Jets are poised to send over a 2021 sixth-round pick. Thomas was made expendable upon New England’s signing of controversial catcher Antonio Brown.
More Antonio Brown fallout: Patriots are trading WR Demaryius Thomas in the division to the NY Jets for a 2021 sixth-round pick, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 10, 2019
Should the trade pass, Thomas, 31, will reunite with Adam Gase. The first-year Jets head coach previously collaborated with Thomas as an offensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos. With the help of future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, Thomas became one of the most prolific receivers in Denver history. His 9,055 yards and 60 touchdowns obtained over eight-plus seasons are good for second in team history.
The Jets are set to be Thomas’ fourth team over the past 11 months. He was traded from Denver to Houston last October, along with a seventh-round pick. Somewhat stifled by a tough quarterback situation in Denver, Thomas posted 677 yards and five touchdowns between the Broncos and Texans. Those numbers were his lowest since he was a part-time starter in his sophomore season of 2011. Thomas missed the Texans’ trek to the AFC playoffs after suffering a torn Achilles in the penultimate game of the regular season.
Thomas signed with the Patriots in April and was removed from the Physically Unable to Perform list in time for the team’s preseason finale against the New York Giants. He caught seven passes for 87 yards and two scores in the exhibition.
The Patriots listed Thomas as inactive for their Week 1 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. Prior to Tuesday’s trade, the Jets were the lone team in the NFL to have not made a trade with the Patriots during the Bill Belichick era. The two teams are set to meet in a Week 3 matchup at Gillette Stadium.
New York returns to action on Monday night against the Cleveland Browns (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN).
