In the high-stakes world of the NFC East, the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are locked in a tight race, where every advantage counts. While the Cowboys have enjoyed watching the Eagles' struggles in finding a new offensive coordinator, the real drama centers around trade rumors involving one of Philadelphia's top talents, A.J. Brown.
A.J. Brown has been a fixture in trade speculation for what seems like an eternity, and this offseason might finally see him on the move. For the Cowboys, the earlier Brown is traded, the better, especially as they face the potential departure of George Pickens.
Brown, a three-time Pro Bowler, has been connected to several teams in need of a wide receiver, including the Bills and Patriots. However, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton suggests a different destination: the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens, eager to maximize their Super Bowl window, have made significant changes, including replacing John Harbaugh with Jesse Minter.
For the Cowboys, an Eagles trade involving A.J. Brown would be a dream scenario.
Moton's proposed deal sends Brown to Baltimore to pair up with Lamar Jackson, in exchange for Rashod Bateman and a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This scenario could be a win-win for Dallas, as it would weaken a division rival.
The ongoing trade speculation has created a media frenzy, diminishing Howie Roseman's leverage in negotiations. If the Eagles settle for such a package, it might seem like a page out of the Jerry Jones playbook of trade negotiations.
Brown's track record speaks volumes, having surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in six of his seven NFL seasons. It's puzzling why the Eagles would consider trading such a key player, especially without a first-round pick in return. With DeVonta Smith already a strong performer, Roseman's willingness to entertain offers raises eyebrows.
The Eagles faced offensive challenges in 2025, with Jalen Hurts' performance dipping and Kevin Patullo's play-calling under scrutiny. Fresh off a Super Bowl win, the decline in offensive line performance and Hurts' struggles to connect with receivers are concerning.
As for Bateman, his performance has been underwhelming. After a promising 2024 season, his numbers plummeted in 2025, making him a questionable trade asset. The Ravens seem eager to move on, and the Eagles' interest is intriguing.
For the Ravens, acquiring Brown would provide Lamar Jackson with an elite WR1, a first in his career, and reunite Brown with Derrick Henry while adding firepower alongside Zay Flowers.
In essence, if the Eagles trade their star receiver for someone with Bateman's recent track record, it could pave the way for the Cowboys to claim the NFC East title.