One of the biggest offseason storylines to keep an eye on? A.J. Brown and his future with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brown’s frustration with the Eagles’ offense isn’t exactly breaking news - it’s been simmering for a while now. Whether it’s his role in the passing game or the broader inconsistency of the unit, it’s clear he hasn’t been thrilled. And now, things may be reaching a tipping point.
According to a recent report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there’s a growing belief around the league that the Eagles could be open to taking calls on Brown. Fowler noted that multiple league executives expect Philadelphia to at least entertain the idea of moving their star wideout, citing Brown’s unhappiness “on numerous fronts.”
Now, let’s be clear: trading a player of Brown’s caliber isn’t simple - or cheap. The Eagles would be staring down a significant dead cap hit if they moved him, and they'd also have to turn around and find a way to replace one of the league’s most physically dominant receivers. That’s no small task, especially for a team still trying to keep its Super Bowl window open.
But if Philly does decide to go down that road, a few teams immediately jump to the front of the line as potential landing spots: the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots.
Let’s start with Pittsburgh. The Steelers once again came up short in their search for a reliable No. 2 wideout in 2025, and their depth chart behind DK Metcalf is paper-thin. Adding Brown would not only give them a true 1B option alongside Metcalf, but it could also help unlock a stagnant passing game that’s struggled to find rhythm and explosiveness.
Then there’s Buffalo. The Bills went into last season hoping rookie Keon Coleman could emerge as their top receiving threat.
That didn’t happen. Free agent signing Joshua Palmer didn’t pan out either.
With Khalil Shakir and tight end Dalton Kincaid currently leading the charge, Buffalo’s pass-catching group lacks the kind of firepower needed to compete with the AFC’s elite. Brown would instantly change that.
And finally, the Patriots. New England came heartbreakingly close to a Super Bowl in 2025, and with Drake Maye under center, they’re looking to take that next step.
Outside of Stefon Diggs and Hunter Henry, though, Maye doesn’t have many proven weapons. That’s where Brown comes in - and the fit here might be the most intriguing of all.
There’s already a connection between Brown and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel from their days together in Tennessee. That familiarity could help smooth the transition.
Plus, New England has the cap space to absorb Brown’s contract and the draft capital to make a deal happen. If the Eagles are serious about listening to offers, the Patriots are in a strong position to make something work.
Among the three teams mentioned, New England might be the most compelling destination. But Pittsburgh’s in the mix too, especially given their cap flexibility and draft assets. Buffalo, while still a contender, may have a tougher time putting together a package - both financially and in terms of picks - that can compete with what the Patriots or Steelers could offer.
At the end of the day, whether or not the Eagles actually move A.J. Brown remains to be seen.
But one thing’s for sure: if he hits the trade market, expect a feeding frenzy. Brown is still one of the most physically gifted receivers in the league - the kind of player who can tilt the field and change the trajectory of an offense.
And if he’s truly available, there won’t be a shortage of teams lining up to make their pitch.