The NFL offseason is just around the corner, and with it comes the annual wave of speculation, mock trades, and bold predictions. One team expected to be at the center of the action?
The Philadelphia Eagles - and not just in the usual “add a few pieces” kind of way. We’re talking about seismic moves, including the potential departure of one of their biggest stars: wide receiver A.J.
Brown.
Yes, that A.J. Brown - the three-time All-Pro, the physical mismatch nightmare, the guy who’s been a cornerstone of Philly’s offense since arriving via trade from Tennessee.
Moving on from him would be a headline-grabber, no doubt. But it’s not just the emotional weight of the move that makes it complicated - it’s the financials, too.
If the Eagles were to release Brown, they’d be staring down a massive $45 million dead cap hit. Trading him softens the blow, but it’s still a significant $16 million hit, per Over The Cap.
So the natural question becomes: If the Eagles are willing to entertain trade offers for Brown, what kind of return would justify such a bold move?
One proposal making the rounds comes from ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, who floated the idea of the Denver Broncos sending cornerback Riley Moss, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-rounder to Philadelphia in exchange for Brown and a 2026 fifth-round pick.
It’s an intriguing package, but let’s be honest - it’s not exactly a blockbuster haul for a player of Brown’s caliber.
Let’s start with Moss. The former Iowa standout - and former college teammate of Eagles rookie Cooper DeJean - is a solid boundary corner who could slide in opposite Quinyon Mitchell in Philly’s secondary.
He’s coming off a productive 2025 season, tying for the league lead with 19 passes defended and allowing a passer rating of 88.2 in coverage. Over the past two years, he’s totaled 166 tackles, two interceptions, a sack, and 27 passes defended.
That’s not nothing.
But there’s a catch: Moss is entering the final year of his rookie deal. That means unless the Eagles are confident they can extend him - and that he wants to stay - they could be looking at a one-year rental.
For a team that needs long-term stability in the secondary, that’s not ideal. They’d be better off targeting a young, ascending player with multiple years of team control.
Then there’s the draft compensation. A second-round pick in 2026 sounds decent on paper, but context matters.
This upcoming draft class isn’t exactly loaded, and a late second-rounder might not yield the kind of impact player the Eagles need to replace a talent like Brown. The additional 2027 fifth-rounder is more of a throw-in than a needle-mover.
Now, to be fair, the Eagles do have several roster holes to address this offseason - especially on the defensive side of the ball - and adding picks is one way to start retooling. But if you’re going to move a player like Brown, who still has plenty of prime years left and can be a game-changer in the right system, you want more than just a decent corner on an expiring deal and some mid-round picks.
As for the Broncos, they’d be getting a true WR1 to pair with whoever ends up under center in Denver next season. With Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy both facing uncertain futures, Brown could instantly elevate their passing game and give them a physical presence that defenses have to respect.
Denver’s cornerback depth makes Moss expendable, so they wouldn’t be sacrificing a key starter. But from Philly’s side, the value just doesn’t quite match the cost of parting with one of their most dynamic playmakers.
Bottom line: If the Eagles are serious about shopping A.J. Brown, they need to aim higher.
This proposed deal is a conversation starter, not a final offer. There’s no rush to make a move just to make one - not when you’re talking about a player who can still tilt the field every Sunday.