If you're a team in need of a true No. 1 wide receiver-and let’s be honest, there are a few out there-the situation brewing in Philadelphia with A.J. Brown should have your full attention.
Brown, the Eagles’ top wideout and one of the most physically dominant receivers in the league, is once again at the center of offseason trade chatter. According to reports, his relationship with the team is described as “somewhat tenuous,” and while no major talks have taken place yet, that’s expected to change soon-likely around the NFL Combine, when front offices start getting serious about shaping their rosters.
This isn’t the first time Brown has shown signs of frustration with his role in the offense. Over the past couple of seasons, there have been moments where his involvement-or lack thereof-has raised eyebrows.
And when a star receiver feels underutilized or undervalued, it tends to spark speculation. That’s exactly where we are now.
Financially, trading Brown wouldn't be easy for the Eagles. If they were to move him before June 1, they’d be staring down a massive $43.4 million dead-cap hit.
Push the deal to after June 1, and that number drops significantly to $16.3 million-but even then, it’s not exactly a painless transaction. Beyond the cap gymnastics, Philly would also be left with a major hole at receiver.
DeVonta Smith is a legit talent, but behind him, there’s not much in the way of proven production.
Still, if the relationship is truly fractured, the Eagles may be forced to make a move. And if Brown does hit the trade market, there are a few teams that immediately jump to the front of the line.
Let’s start with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots. Both teams have the cap space to make a deal work-Pittsburgh sitting with $44.9 million and New England close behind at $42.7 million.
Each team is in desperate need of a playmaker on the outside. For the Steelers, pairing Brown with George Pickens would give them a dynamic 1-2 punch and provide a much-needed boost to a young, evolving offense.
In New England, Brown would instantly become the go-to weapon in a system that’s been starving for elite receiver talent.
Then there’s the Buffalo Bills. On paper, they’re in a tougher spot-projected to be $7.4 million over the cap.
But when a team wants a player badly enough, there are always ways to get creative. Restructures, cuts, extensions-Buffalo has options, even if they’re not ideal.
And considering their recent playoff disappointments and the looming need to retool around Josh Allen, a move for Brown could be the kind of bold swing that changes their trajectory.
Now, if Brown has any say in where he lands-and that’s always a big “if” in these situations-New England might have the inside track. He has history with new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel from their time together in Tennessee, and that kind of familiarity can go a long way. Add in the fact that the Patriots are expected to be a serious contender in 2026, and you’ve got a compelling case for Brown to reunite with his former coach in Foxborough.
This is a situation to watch closely as the offseason unfolds. The Eagles have a tough decision to make: try to mend fences with their star receiver or move on and absorb the financial and on-field fallout.
For teams in the market for a game-changing wideout, A.J. Brown might just be the biggest prize available-and the race to land him could get very interesting, very fast.