Could A.J. Brown Be the Missing Piece in Denver? A Closer Look at a Potential Broncos-Eagles Trade
The NFL offseason is always ripe for speculation, but this year, one potential trade scenario is starting to gain traction - and it could shake up the AFC West in a big way. The Denver Broncos are in the market for a top-tier wide receiver, and A.J.
Brown might just be the name to watch. With Philadelphia and Brown seemingly headed toward a split, the dots are starting to connect - and fast.
Let’s break down why this proposed trade makes sense for both sides, what Denver would be giving up, and whether Brown’s fit in the Broncos' locker room is as seamless as it looks on paper.
The Proposed Deal
Broncos receive: WR A.J. Brown
Eagles receive: 2026 2nd-round pick, EDGE Jonah Elliss
At first glance, it’s a hefty price for Denver - a second-round pick and a promising young pass-rusher. But when you consider what A.J. Brown brings to the table, it starts to feel like the kind of swing a team takes when it’s ready to shift gears offensively.
Denver’s Need for a Game-Changer
The Broncos haven’t exactly been quiet about their desire to land a premier receiver. Last offseason, they reportedly made a push for Stefon Diggs before he chose New England.
At the 2025 trade deadline, they reached out to Miami about Jaylen Waddle. The message is clear: Denver wants a top-flight target to elevate its offense.
They’ve got the cap space to make it happen - $28.9 million, to be exact - so fitting Brown’s contract under the cap wouldn’t require any financial gymnastics. It’s more about whether the team is ready to commit to a star receiver who can stretch the field and demand attention from defenses every snap.
Right now, Troy Franklin has speed, but he’s averaging just 10.5 yards per catch - not exactly stretching the field in the way Denver needs. Courtland Sutton, entering his age-31 season, may be nearing the back end of his prime. Brown’s arrival would instantly upgrade this unit and give Denver a true WR1 - something they haven’t had since the peak years of Demaryius Thomas.
What the Eagles Get in Return
On the other side of the deal, Philadelphia would be moving on from one of the most talented receivers in the league. But if the relationship has reached its expiration date, the Eagles will be looking to reload - and they love building from the trenches.
That’s where Jonah Elliss comes in.
The 22-year-old edge rusher has been stuck behind Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper in Denver’s rotation, but his numbers hint at serious upside: 66 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and 23 pressures in limited snaps over his first two seasons. He’s played just 38% of the defensive snaps so far, but in a more expanded role - like the one he’d likely get in Philly - he could blossom into a full-time contributor.
That’s a key need for the Eagles, who are staring down the possibility of losing five edge rushers to free agency, including veterans like Brandon Graham and Josh Uche. Graham may return for another year at 37, but the future is calling, and Elliss could be part of that next wave.
And let’s not overlook the second-round pick. In a draft that’s not loaded with can't-miss receiver talent, flipping Brown for a pick and a young, ascending edge rusher gives Philadelphia flexibility and a chance to retool without a full rebuild.
Is Brown the Right Fit for Sean Payton’s Locker Room?
Now, here’s where things get tricky.
There’s no questioning Brown’s talent. He’s one of the most physically dominant receivers of his era, with 524 catches for 8,029 yards and 56 touchdowns.
Back in 2023, he hauled in 106 passes - elite production by any standard. But over the past two seasons, his numbers have dipped, failing to eclipse 80 receptions in either year.
More concerning, though, is the perception that Brown’s frustrations have occasionally boiled over on the field. Jason Kelce recently commented that Brown can let his emotions affect his play - and by extension, the offense. That’s not the kind of thing Sean Payton is likely to tolerate.
Payton runs a tight ship. He’s known for discipline, structure, and a no-nonsense approach. If Brown is going to thrive in Denver, he’ll need to buy into the system and keep the focus on football - not targets, not touches, not sideline theatrics.
But if he does? Watch out.
This is a wide receiver who can take over games. He’s a matchup nightmare, a physical presence who can bully corners and win contested catches. He opens up the field for everyone else - tight ends, slot receivers, running backs - and gives a quarterback a go-to guy when the play breaks down.
The Bottom Line
This trade would be a bold move for Denver - and one that signals a clear intention to compete now. Giving up a second-round pick and a promising edge rusher isn’t cheap, but the Broncos aren’t going to find a player like A.J. Brown in this year’s draft.
It’s a gamble, sure. But it’s the kind of calculated risk that could pay off in a big way if Brown finds his groove in orange and blue.
If the Broncos believe they’re a top receiver away from taking the next step, this might be their moment to make it happen.