Every NFL offseason brings its fair share of headline drama, and this year, AJ Brown might just be at the center of it all. The Eagles’ physically imposing WR1 has been a nightmare for opposing secondaries since arriving in Philadelphia, but after a disappointing playoff exit and growing tension behind the scenes, the conversation has shifted.
The question isn’t just about what went wrong-it’s about what might come next. Could the Eagles actually consider trading AJ Brown?
It sounds wild, but in today’s NFL, even the unthinkable has a way of becoming possible.
Let’s start with the backdrop. The Eagles finished 11-6 in 2025, good enough to win the NFC East.
That might look like business as usual on paper, but under the hood, this season was anything but smooth. This marked the first time since the Donovan McNabb era that Philly repeated as division champs-an accomplishment worth noting.
But it came with a side of friction that never quite settled.
The offense, particularly the passing game, was inconsistent all year. There were flashes of brilliance, sure, but they were offset by stretches of stagnation that left fans and analysts scratching their heads.
Reports of philosophical disconnects between head coach Nick Sirianni and Brown only added fuel to the fire. And when the playoffs rolled around, those cracks became impossible to ignore.
Hosting the 49ers in the Wild Card round, the Eagles came up short, falling 23-19 after a failed fourth-down attempt late in the game. A tough, competitive loss-but one that underscored the offense’s inability to find rhythm when it mattered most.
Despite the turbulence, Brown still put up solid numbers: 78 catches, 1,003 yards, and seven touchdowns. That’s four straight 1,000-yard seasons for one of the league’s most physically dominant receivers.
But context is everything. His 12.9 yards per catch was the lowest of his career.
His 66.9 receiving yards per game? Also a career low since his rookie season.
For a player who’s built his reputation on explosive plays and overpowering defenders, those numbers signal a step back.
And then there’s the visible frustration. Brown reportedly wasn’t happy on multiple fronts, and it all boiled over in a sideline exchange with Sirianni during that playoff loss. The production was still there-but the harmony wasn’t.
Now, let’s talk money. Trading Brown before June 1 would saddle the Eagles with a dead-cap hit north of $43 million.
That’s a massive number-enough to make most teams slam the brakes on any trade talk. But the Eagles aren’t most teams.
GM Howie Roseman has never been shy about making bold, forward-thinking moves. And with DeVonta Smith emerging as a WR1-caliber weapon in his own right, the front office could see value in flipping Brown for a haul of draft picks, even if it means short-term financial pain.
If Philadelphia believes its best path to contention is through balance-leaning on a ground game led by Saquon Barkley and a more evenly distributed passing attack-then moving Brown becomes a strategic decision, not just a financial one.
So if Brown does hit the trade market, who’s picking up the phone?
Buffalo Bills
Let’s start in Western New York.
The Bills have been searching for a true alpha on the outside to pair with Josh Allen ever since Stefon Diggs’ production started to dip. Khalil Shakir led the team with just 719 receiving yards in 2025-a solid number, but not the kind that scares defenses.
Brown would change that overnight. His physicality would demand double teams, opening things up for Shakir and restoring the vertical threat that Buffalo’s offense has lacked in the postseason.
The Bills have been knocking on the Super Bowl door for years. Brown might be the piece that finally kicks it open.
New England Patriots
The Patriots have rebuilt their identity around defense, structure, and efficient quarterback play.
But if they want to take the next step with Drake Maye under center, they need a game-changer on the perimeter. Brown fits that bill.
His ability to win contested catches and rack up yards after contact would provide a safety net for a young quarterback and inject some much-needed explosiveness into the offense. With cap space and draft capital to spare, New England has the resources to make a serious play without gutting its roster.
New York Jets
If there’s a team that loves a splash move, it’s the Jets.
They’ve got over $83 million in projected cap space and plenty of early draft picks. Pairing Brown with Garrett Wilson would give New York one of the most dynamic receiver duos in football.
Wilson brings the route precision and finesse, Brown brings the brute force and big-play potential. Together, they’d stretch defenses in every direction and give the Jets’ offense a much-needed identity.
For a team trying to maximize its competitive window, this would be a bold-but potentially game-changing-move.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are searching for an offensive identity.
Chris Olave is a smooth route-runner with vertical speed, but the roster lacks a physical presence who can dictate coverage and win in traffic. Enter AJ Brown.
His style would complement Olave perfectly, giving New Orleans a true 1-2 punch on the outside and a red-zone threat they’ve been missing. With a creative offensive mind like Kellen Moore potentially shaping the scheme, Brown could become the focal point of a revamped attack.
Cap space is tight, but the Saints have never let that stop them before.
A trade involving AJ Brown would send shockwaves through the NFL. For the Eagles, it would be a defining moment-do they double down on their current core or pivot toward a more balanced, future-focused approach? For teams like Buffalo, New England, the Jets, and New Orleans, it could be the kind of move that changes everything.
Brown is still one of the league’s most feared receivers. The production is there.
The impact is undeniable. But in today’s NFL, even stars can be moved if the timing, the fit, and the compensation are right.
If the Eagles decide to test the market, expect the phones to light up-and expect the league’s power balance to shift in a hurry.