A.J. Brown Reportedly Requested Trade Multiple Times During Tumultuous Eagles Season
For much of the 2025 NFL season, something just felt off between A.J. Brown and the Philadelphia Eagles - and now we’re getting a clearer picture of just how strained things may have been behind the scenes.
According to a new report, Brown asked to be traded multiple times during the year, with the first request reportedly coming as early as after the Eagles’ Week 3 win over the Rams. That wasn’t just frustration boiling over in the moment - it was a clear sign that the star wide receiver’s dissatisfaction ran deep.
Brown’s numbers this season - 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns - are solid by most standards. But for a player of his caliber, and considering what he’s done since arriving in Philly, it marked a noticeable dip.
It was the first time in his Eagles tenure that he didn’t earn a Pro Bowl or All-Pro nod. And while stats don’t always tell the full story, in this case, they’re part of a broader narrative: Brown wasn’t happy, and it showed.
From the outside, fans had already picked up on the signs. There were cryptic social media posts, sideline frustrations, and a general sense that Brown wasn’t on the same page with the team - particularly with how the offense was being run. Reports now suggest that his frustration stemmed largely from how offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was calling plays and how inconsistent his target share had become.
This wasn’t just a case of a star player wanting more touches. Brown has been vocal about wanting to win, and when the offense sputtered at times this season, it’s clear he felt the scheme wasn’t putting the team - or himself - in the best position to succeed.
Now, here’s where things get complicated. Even if Brown wants out, the financial side of the equation is a massive hurdle. Trading him would trigger a dead cap hit of around $72 million in 2026 - a number that makes any move almost impossible unless Brown is willing to restructure his deal or the Eagles find a creative way to offset the cost.
So where does that leave things?
Well, the trade speculation isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, this report will only pour more fuel on the fire.
Eagles GM Howie Roseman didn’t exactly slam the door shut on the idea during his end-of-season press conference. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Roseman over the years, it’s that he’s willing to explore any option if he thinks it makes the team better.
Still, moving on from a player like Brown - one of the most physically dominant receivers in the league - would be a seismic shift for a franchise that’s still in its competitive window. The Eagles have built their identity around a strong offensive core, and Brown has been a huge part of that since arriving from Tennessee.
But relationships matter. And if this one is as fractured as it now appears, Philly may have no choice but to weigh its options - even if they’re expensive.
One thing’s for sure: This story isn’t going away. And as the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Philadelphia to see whether they can mend fences with their star receiver - or if a blockbuster move is on the horizon.