Could the Raiders Target A.J. Brown? It’s Tempting, But Comes With Risks
The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with a golden opportunity - the No. 1 overall pick and, by all accounts, a clear path to selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. That move could be the franchise cornerstone they’ve been searching for, but as any seasoned NFL observer knows, drafting a quarterback is just the beginning.
The real challenge? Building the right infrastructure around him to help him succeed from Day 1.
That means reinforcing the trenches, both offensively and defensively. It means continuing to build out a defense that can actually get off the field.
And yes - it means giving Mendoza weapons. Dynamic, reliable, game-breaking weapons.
Tight end Brock Bowers is already in the fold, and he’s a matchup nightmare in his own right. But what this offense still lacks is a true “X” receiver - a boundary threat who can stretch the field, win one-on-one matchups, and command double teams.
And finding that kind of player isn’t easy. They rarely hit the open market, and even in the draft, it’s a roll of the dice.
That’s why the idea of a trade - specifically for someone like A.J. Brown - is starting to gain traction.
A.J. Brown: The Talent Speaks for Itself
A.J. Brown isn’t just a good wide receiver - he’s elite.
A three-time All-Pro with four straight seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards and at least seven touchdowns, Brown is the kind of player who can instantly elevate an offense. He’s physical, explosive, and has a knack for coming up big in high-leverage moments.
And right now, his future in Philadelphia is anything but certain.
According to recent reports, Brown’s relationship with the Eagles has cooled. There’s been some friction behind the scenes, and while the Eagles aren’t in the habit of giving away star players, they’ve also never been afraid to make bold moves - especially when there’s a financial incentive. Trading Brown after June 1 would actually save the team $7 million in cap space.
Around the league, there’s a growing sense that a change of scenery might be on the horizon. One executive even predicted a trade to Buffalo, while others floated Las Vegas as a logical landing spot.
And from a football standpoint, it adds up. The Raiders have the cap space to absorb Brown’s contract, and they have a front office with deep ties to Philadelphia.
General manager John Spytek has connections to the Eagles, and former Philly staffers Anthony Patch and Brandon Hunt are now part of the Raiders’ personnel department. There’s familiarity, and that can matter in trade talks.
The Other Side of the Coin
But talent isn’t the only factor in team building - especially when you’re trying to establish a new culture around a rookie quarterback.
Brown has drawn some criticism over the years for being, at times, a challenging presence. He’s known to speak his mind, and that’s led to some tension in locker rooms and with the media.
That doesn’t mean he’s a bad teammate - far from it. He’s never been in legal trouble, and he’s been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, which speaks to his character.
Still, the Raiders are in a delicate spot. They’re not just trying to win games - they’re trying to build something sustainable.
Bringing in a superstar who may or may not buy into that vision is a risk. They’ve seen firsthand how locker room dynamics can derail progress, and they can’t afford to repeat those mistakes with Mendoza just getting started.
What's the Right Move?
Make no mistake - if the Raiders were to add A.J. Brown, it would be a massive coup from a pure football perspective. He’s the kind of player who can change a gameplan, who forces defenses to adjust, and who makes life easier for everyone else on offense, including a young quarterback trying to find his footing.
But the Raiders can’t afford to get this wrong. They need to be absolutely sure about who they’re bringing into the building. That means vetting Brown thoroughly, understanding his motivations, and figuring out whether he’s the kind of leader they want in the locker room.
Other teams - like the 49ers or Patriots - may be in the mix as well, and Brown’s past relationship with Mike Vrabel could play a role if New England gets involved. But if Las Vegas does decide to make a move, it has to be with eyes wide open.
This offseason is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent Raiders history. The quarterback is likely coming.
The foundation is being laid. Now it’s about surrounding that foundation with the right pieces - not just the most talented ones, but the ones who will help build something lasting.